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CNN Live Today
U.S. Command May Add Troops in Iraq Ahead of Elections; Iranian FM: 'Whole Enrichment Process Suspended'
Aired November 22, 2004 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at what's happening "Now in the News."
FAA investigators are on the scene of a private jet crash in Houston. Authorities say all three people on board were killed when the plane crashed near Houston's Hobby Airport early this morning and burst into flames. There have been no reports of any casualties on the ground.
President Bush is headed to Colombia after wrapping up the Pacific Rim Summit in Chile. Mr. Bush will show his support for Colombian President Alvaro Uribe during a brief visit there. The two will discuss continuing U.S. aid to help fight rebels and drug trafficking in Colombia. Mr. Bush says the country is making progress against both.
Authorities in Wisconsin say they are stunned by a hunting dispute that turned into a fatal shooting, several shootings. A man is accused of killing five hunters and wounding three others. The sheriff spoke with reporters last hour.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERIFF TOM RICHIE, BARRON COUNTY, WISCONSIN: This incident has certainly caused a sense of disarray and disbelief in our community. All eight of the victims, including the five deceased, are residents of Barron County. They're all very well known, well respected members of our community.
In regards to the investigation, as mentioned, the Sawyer County sheriff's department is responsible for the investigation. Barron County has assisted and it's offered any possible resources to them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Now, the suspect seen here accused of the shooting, he is in custody.
Donald Trump, he is betting on bankruptcy to save his casino empire. The business has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Trump's hotels have been hurt by newer competitors and burdened by massive debt. The bankruptcy follows months of negotiations over restructuring the debt listed at $1.3 billion, with a "B" dollars.
Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news. Well, good morning to you. It's 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. in the West. From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Daryn Kagan today.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: And happy to have you. I'm Rick Sanchez, and here's some of the stories that we're following.
Let's turn, first of all, to the often-called salacious soap opera otherwise known as the Scott Peterson murder trial. It enters a new phase next hour, the penalty phase. CNN's Rusty Dornin is following developments as she has throughout the Peterson trial.
Good morning, Rusty. What do we have on tap?
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rick, we think the penalty phase is going to get under way this morning. The judge is looking at two whopping requests by defense attorney Mark Geragos that could sort of change everything. But even if those are denied, we are hearing he will ask for a continuance. What Geragos is asking for this morning is a whole new version of the penalty phase, right back to square one.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DORNIN (voice-over): A new jury taken to a different county to decide Scott Peterson's fate? Before the penalty phase begins Monday morning, the judge will consider defense attorney Mark Geragos' motions to replace the jury that convicted Peterson and remove away from Redwood City for the remaining testimony. The judge denied both requests earlier in the trial. Legal observers say the removal of two jurors just days before the verdict will likely be part of the defense argument.
(on camera): Could there be good reason for juror misconduct or a tainted jury to change juries now?
CHUCK SMITH, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: No, there really can't, because if there was juror misconduct in the decision to find him guilty, that will be dealt with on appeal and the verdict of guilt will be overturned.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We find the defendant Scott Lee Peterson guilty of the crime of murder...
(APPLAUSE)
DORNIN (voice-over): This scene after the verdict may also have the defense claiming there is a blood-thirsty mob here that wants Peterson to die. Should the penalty phase go forward, two words are often used to describe it: gut-wrenching. It's when Laci Peterson's family and friends will spell out the anguish, the loss, the anger, the grief.
The defendant's family will then likely plead for his life. Peterson has no previous criminal past. Legal analysts say because there was no murder weapon, no cause of death and no evidence of a crime scene, Mark Geragos could argue to the jury the concept of lingering doubt.
SMITH: Mark Geragos very directly can say to that jury, "I acknowledge that you found Scott Peterson guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. But in your heart of hearts, you can't be sure enough of your decision to condemn him to die."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DORNIN: If the jury does sentence Scott Peterson to death in California, the judge can overturn that decision and give him a life sentence. But on the other hand, if the jury gives him life, the judge cannot elevate that to death nor can he reduce his death sentence -- or the life sentence -- Rick.
SANCHEZ: Rusty Dornin following it for us. We'll be checking back with you, Rusty, as need be as this trial develops throughout the day.
NGUYEN: There is word that U.S. commanders may be ready to beef up troop numbers in Iraq ahead of January elections. We want to bring in Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr this morning to explain a little more on this.
Barbara, is this in response to Falluja or has this been in the works for a little while?
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, as you say, in fact it has been in the works for some time. In the wake of Falluja, top commanders, military commanders are looking at the troop levels. But officials tell us, no decision has been made yet about whether to increase troop levels, and, in fact, no request has been made for troops.
But what is on the table is the question of what to do about this election time frame. Elections now scheduled for January 30 in Iraq. As they look at that and the expected level of potential upcoming violence, they are trying to determine whether in fact they will need more troops.
Now, what is expected, of course, is some adjustment to the troop rotation schedule first, for at least a temporary increase. One of the top generals recently spoke about this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. GEN. LANCE L. SMITH, DEPUTY COMMANDING GENERAL, CENTCOM: We will expect by using extensions of some -- some troops that were only planning on being over there for 10 months, extending them another two months so that they still would be on the ground, you know, about a year. And using that to have additional forces over there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: If they do decide that they actually need more additional troops, sources say the two likeliest options, accelerating the deployment of the 3rd Infantry Division or sending a brigade from the 82nd Airborne. But sources still say no decision, no request just yet. They're continuing to look at the situation.
NGUYEN: All right. Thank you, Barbara.
SANCHEZ: What is going on with Iran's uranium enrichment program? We're going to try to answer that question exclusively. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Christiane Amanpour here at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, where a special conference on Iraq is taking place. We are joined right now by the Iranian foreign minister, who is among many of the foreign ministers from neighboring countries who have come here.
In addition, there will be foreign ministers from Europe, from the United States and others interested not only in the future of Iraq, but most specifically, Mr. Foreign Minister, when it comes to Iran about the nuclear issue. Thank you for joining us, .
Today, the head of the IAEA is telling us "I think pretty much everything has come to a halt in terms of uranium enrichment in Iran." Can you tell us precisely what step Iran has taken now on this issue?
KAMAL KHARRAZI, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: As a matter of fact, since today, the whole enrichment process has been suspended. And this is going to be verified by inspectors of IAEA.
AMANPOUR: Now, it just seems that every time you make these announcements and you take these steps it all sort of, so to speak, blows up again within a few months. The latest is that not only the opposition groups but others have said that Iran has "aggressively produced" a quantity of uranium hexafluoride, which is essential for the enrichment process. Also, that weapons-grade uranium has been purchased and bomb designs from Pakistan.
What is actually going on?
KHARRAZI: As a matter of fact, this was announced and it is not true, that Iran has not enriched uranium yet or has not bought any uranium from outside. But to produce UF6, the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is capable to produce. But now it is in suspension.
AMANPOUR: So it is now suspended?
KHARRAZI: Yes.
AMANPOUR: And is that an indefinite suspension? What is the plan?
KHARRAZI: The plan is based on the agreement reached between Iran and some of the Europeans, that we started negotiations in three working groups. After three months, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the process. If it was positive, we can continue.
AMANPOUR: And what would constitute positive? KHARRAZI: Positive means that we are arriving to some conclusions. And the commission and the commitments met by the other side is going to be materialized.
AMANPOUR: And what specific commitment are you talking about right now?
KHARRAZI: There are three working groups, and each group is going to evaluate different measures that has to be taken. But the final measure naturally is to come up with a mechanism that would assure Europeans that Iran is not going to divert to nuclear weapons.
AMANPOUR: You know your fiercest critics are in the United States. Your American counterpart, Secretary of State Colin Powell, said just last week that he has been shown intelligence that Iran is "working hard to produce a nuclear-tipped missile," a missile that can take a nuclear warhead.
KHARRAZI: He has better to share this intelligence that he claims with others. Just claiming something is not enough. And the burden to prove is on the shoulder of the person who makes the claims.
AMANPOUR: Are you denying it?
KHARRAZI: Yes.
AMANPOUR: Does it concern you though that similar voices that were heard in the preamble to the Iraq war are saying about Iran that they suspect you have nuclear weapons or you're trying to produce nuclear weapons, and that it needs to be dealt with additional economic sanctions, with military action, or even with regime change?
KHARRAZI: I believe doing (ph) on wrong formation has not added to the reputation of American administration, but has put it into serious question internationally. I believe there is need of more information. And American administration is in lack of information.
AMANPOUR: So you're just saying that the lack of intelligence on nuclear weapons in Iraq...
KHARRAZI: No, just generally. Iraq is one example. Americans have made many mistakes out of ignorance, out of lack of information, out of wrong information. And Iraqis won't accept that.
AMANPOUR: And are you nonetheless not concerned, though, that there is a very serious movement in the United States that they will not tolerate a nuclear armed Iran?
KHARRAZI: No, Iran is not going to be nuclear at all. Iran does not have any plan to produce nuclear weapons. It is determined to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. And nobody can deny the right of Iran to do it.
AMANPOUR: So are you -- what will you do then after three months? Will you start enriching again in order for peaceful purposes? Or what happens? If you are determined to pursuit peaceful... KHARRAZI: We hope. We hope to arrive to some kind of agreement with the European side that assures them that Iran is not going to divert toward nuclear weapons, but at the same time continue with (UNINTELLIGIBLE) technology for peaceful purposes.
AMANPOUR: Are you planning to have any dialogue here at this meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell?
KHARRAZI: No, it has not been scheduled.
AMANPOUR: So you will not meet him?
KHARRAZI: No.
AMANPOUR: Do you worry or are you concerned or are you prepared for a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities?
KHARRAZI: There are some concerns, but the question is that what happens if there would be such a preemptive action? I don't think it helps anyone, but it creates more crisis and more problems. And we have enough problems in the world. And therefore, I believe that leads to nothing but more crisis.
AMANPOUR: Can you tell me how you plan to bolster, if you like, the level of trust between your country and western countries, whether it be Europe or -- or the United States? As I say, we've seen these declarations by Iran before, these instances of suddenly last year suspending the uranium enrichment, and then, you know, other things come to the surface. People then again point to the fact that, well, you've been doing this secretly and that secretly. I mea, how are you going to actually bolster the level of trust?
KHARRAZI: To take measures that would create more confidence. And that's what exactly what we are doing. If we have decided to suspend uranium enrichment (UNINTELLIGIBLE), it's just to bring more confidence, nothing else. And we hope that this measure's good and to more confidence. Otherwise it may be not useful.
SANCHEZ: Kamal Kharrazi, the foreign minister for the Iranians, with that fascinating and exclusive interview with Christiane Amanpour. The upshot of the interview, of course, is what you heard him say right at the outset, and that is that the enrichment, the uranium enrichment program from Iran is canceled, suspended, no more.
As to criticism from U.S. officials and others around the world, he said, "Well, Americans have made mistakes before, mostly based on intelligence." So it's obviously a story that we will continue to follow throughout the course of the day.
NGUYEN: Continue to follow, yes.
And some big developments in the world of sports as well. Lou Holtz is officially retiring from the University of South Carolina, the football team there. We will have that.
SANCHEZ: Also, the fight that cost one NBA player more than $4 million. But do big suspensions punish the guilty in this case?
That's what we'll talk about. We're coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: Most would call this man a college football legend. That is Lou Holtz, and he is officially retiring today. But he's going out ugly. A big brawl at his game this weekend between his team, South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson. Let's listen in now to some of the final words.
LOU HOLTZ, GAMECOCKS HEAD COACH: ... worthy of three bowl games in the last five years. We've done some good things. We've done some good things, and all I'm concerned about is the future of the University of South Carolina.
Every decision I've made since I've been here is tried to be in the best interest of the University of South Carolina. I thank the many friends that we've made here. I'm not much of a social person. Never have been, don't go to many parties because there's always different clicks. And if you go to this click and then that one -- so it's just my wife and myself.
The only thing I truly regret was the coaching profession demands so much time. I didn't take the opportunity to spend more time with my grandchildren located in this town.
Unless you spend time with them, they really don't get to know you, and you don't truly know them. And that I truly regret, and I'll try to make that up in the future.
But I always tend to focus on the positive, the good things. You look back, and I'll follow the University of South Carolina's success in the future.
Once again, thank you all, one and all.
SANCHEZ: Lou Holtz calling it quits. He coached at Arkansas, coached at Notre Dame, coached at Minnesota, finally at South Carolina.
He's going to be replaced, interestingly enough, probably by the most sought after football coach in the nation. That would be Steve Spurrier. But again, unfortunately his last game was an ugly one.
A big brawl in the middle of the field the other day between his team, South Carolina, and as you can see in some of the pictures that we have for you right there, Clemson. That's Holtz right in the middle of the thing trying to separate both teams. But it went on for quite some time.
Expect fines to be levied . Expect problems as a result of that. Lou Holtz once again retiring from college football.
NGUYEN: Well, from one brawl to another, boxing had a thriller in Manila, and baseball recently saw the reverse of the curse. Now many will likely be saying, "Where were you when the melee in Michigan went down?"
Over the weekend, the Pacers-Pistons game turned into a sparring match with fans. Now the NBA has suspended nine players for various amounts of time, and all without pay.
As the fists flew fast and furious, many focused on the players throwing those punches. But what about the fired up fans in the stands? Still talking, former NBA player Charles Barkley had this to say on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLES BARKLEY, FMR. BASKETBALL PLAYER: Any time a fan touches you, you have the right to beat the hell out of them. Forget -- I'm a man. I'm not going to let anybody disrespect me.
I mean, I don't believe in that. I'm not going to defend what Ron Artest did, but the fans really crossed that line Friday night. They have been crossing it for years.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: There you have it.
And for fighting like hockey players, nine players are now on ice. Indiana's Ron Artest is out the entire season, costing him almost $5 million.
Also losing part of their salaries are Indiana's Stephen Jackson, Jermaine O'Neal and Anthony Johnson. Detroit's Ben Wallace will sick sit out six games, costing him $400,000. Now, four players were given one-game suspensions, Reggie Miller of the Pacers and Pistons players Chauncey Billups, Derrick Coleman and Elden Campbell.
SANCHEZ: Yes. And for more on the pandemonium at the palace, and the price of this punishment, we turn to Marc Stein. He's a sportswriter with ESPN.com. He's joining us by phone from Bristol, Connecticut.
I've got so many thoughts on this thing, as I'm sure so many Americans who have seen the video have. But I'll just let you begin. Marc, what's your take?
MARC STEIN, SPORTSWRITER, ESPN.COM: Well, I wasn't surprised that Artest got the whole year. I really thought Stern was going to come down on him harder than we've ever seen.
I was a bit surprised that Jermaine O'Neal and Jackson got 55 games between them. But basically, for the last year there have just been numerous times where the league has been embroiled in controversies, player behavior has been questioned. And David Stern hasn't really been able to do anything about it.
SANCHEZ: Well, he certainly...
(CROSSTALK) STEIN: He had to sit back and kind of take it and watch it and just see what happened.
SANCHEZ: He certainly has done something about it this time, Marc. In fact, I'd say he's very decisive in this case.
He came out right away and he really -- he's really nailing these guys. I mean, you -- an entire season. I don't know when I've heard, except maybe going back to Paul Horning (ph), when somebody was just kicked out for the entire year.
STEIN: Well, don't forget that David Stern sees his league as, you know, right there with soccer as a global force. And he pays attention to what happens in the soccer world.
And if you go back 10 years, a Manchester United player kicked a fan and was banned for eight months. And if you compare that incident to this one, that was a handshake.
I mean, this was -- went from a brawl to a full-scale melee. And so because it was so much worse than anything we'd ever seen, you knew that that's how the reaction from him was going to be. He had the hammer this time. And he's been waiting for something like this.
SANCHEZ: Let's take the fans through this real quick. There you see the big shove. And as a matter of fact, it's interesting that Wallace first shoves him.
Should Wallace have been ejected right there? Would that have ended things?
STEIN: No. I mean, one thing that was interesting, you heard yesterday that the commissioner said the league needs to do a better job of when an incident cooled down. And that had cooled down.
They should have been able to stop it. There was a time from when it got from the players brawling to Artest being hit with a cup. And then it's getting into the stands.
So the league does need to find a way to get teams to their benches faster. You know, Wallace -- Wallace would have been gone but the game didn't continue.
SANCHEZ: Well, unfortunately, they're right there in the middle of it. I mean, basketball, unlike most other sports, has the fans literally on top of you.
Let me ask you about him being on the scorer's table, obviously -- or seemingly hurt. Although as soon as he got mad, he didn't look really hurt. What was the deal with that?
STEIN: He wasn't hurt. He was trying to basically send a message that he was -- he was calm in this storm. But, you know, there are players that feel that him just laying there was kind of showing up the Pistons and inflamed things even worse. So...
SANCHEZ: Are they right? Are they right?
STEIN: ... there are two ways you could look at it.
SANCHEZ: Well, are they right when they say that? I mean, why is a player laying down as if he were, you know, getting a suntan at a scoring table at the beach?
STEIN: Well, with Ron's history, I think people were a lot happier seeing him laying down than still on the court getting into it with Ben Wallace. So I think more people probably preferred that than had a problem with it. But definitely the Pistons' players had a problem with it, no question.
SANCHEZ: What caused this? Is it us, is it our society, is it the video games our kids are seeing and the players they're idolizing who are brutal? What's going on?
STEIN: Well, I wish I could generalize and give you one great answer why. But, I mean, there's no question here that the fans have to -- have to -- they definitely played a role here.
And I think, again, we should -- we should follow soccer. And the next time Indiana's in Detroit, the Pistons should have no fans at this game. That's what you see internationally when there's crowd trouble at a soccer match, the home team the next time generally has to play an empty stadium. And there's no question that Pistons' fans, not all of them, but a lot of them inflamed this situation...
SANCHEZ: Yes.
STEIN: ... went on the court where they don't belong. And I agree with Charles Barkley. Once a fan goes on the court, that's fair game. All you needed to see was...
(CROSSTALK)
SANCHEZ: But wait. But hold up, Marc. Marc, it was a plastic cup thrown from 30 feet away. That's a far cry from jumping on the court and hitting a player.
STEIN: Right, no. But Artest went into the stands. But after that then there were fans on the court. SANCHEZ: Oh, OK.
STEIN: You saw punches being thrown. Why are those fans on the court? They don't belong on the court.
SANCHEZ: No, point well made. Marc Stein, thanks so much for being with us. Interesting discussion.
And, of course, you know, the true test here will be whether Artest now gets a video game named after him after this incident. That will tell us how well the NBA has been able to control it, not cause more of these problems.
NGUYEN: We're going to have a lot of talk about this. And of course we're going to continue this throughout the day here on CNN. SANCHEZ: Yes. There's supposed to be only games, but sportsmanship is often absent. Tune in to CNN's "PAULA ZAHN NOW" tonight. She's going to have a one-hour special on just this thing we were talking about, athletes and violence. Again, 8:00 p.m. Eastern right here on CNN.
NGUYEN: I'm going to take a quick break as I prepare for the noon show. But you're staying on. And there's much more CNN LIVE TODAY to come, including, not sure what to do in the event of a terrorist attack or what your kids should do?
SANCHEZ: Yes, the government is hoping that a new series of public service announcements can help. You're going to be able to see it for yourself next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired November 22, 2004 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at what's happening "Now in the News."
FAA investigators are on the scene of a private jet crash in Houston. Authorities say all three people on board were killed when the plane crashed near Houston's Hobby Airport early this morning and burst into flames. There have been no reports of any casualties on the ground.
President Bush is headed to Colombia after wrapping up the Pacific Rim Summit in Chile. Mr. Bush will show his support for Colombian President Alvaro Uribe during a brief visit there. The two will discuss continuing U.S. aid to help fight rebels and drug trafficking in Colombia. Mr. Bush says the country is making progress against both.
Authorities in Wisconsin say they are stunned by a hunting dispute that turned into a fatal shooting, several shootings. A man is accused of killing five hunters and wounding three others. The sheriff spoke with reporters last hour.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERIFF TOM RICHIE, BARRON COUNTY, WISCONSIN: This incident has certainly caused a sense of disarray and disbelief in our community. All eight of the victims, including the five deceased, are residents of Barron County. They're all very well known, well respected members of our community.
In regards to the investigation, as mentioned, the Sawyer County sheriff's department is responsible for the investigation. Barron County has assisted and it's offered any possible resources to them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Now, the suspect seen here accused of the shooting, he is in custody.
Donald Trump, he is betting on bankruptcy to save his casino empire. The business has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Trump's hotels have been hurt by newer competitors and burdened by massive debt. The bankruptcy follows months of negotiations over restructuring the debt listed at $1.3 billion, with a "B" dollars.
Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news. Well, good morning to you. It's 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. in the West. From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Daryn Kagan today.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: And happy to have you. I'm Rick Sanchez, and here's some of the stories that we're following.
Let's turn, first of all, to the often-called salacious soap opera otherwise known as the Scott Peterson murder trial. It enters a new phase next hour, the penalty phase. CNN's Rusty Dornin is following developments as she has throughout the Peterson trial.
Good morning, Rusty. What do we have on tap?
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rick, we think the penalty phase is going to get under way this morning. The judge is looking at two whopping requests by defense attorney Mark Geragos that could sort of change everything. But even if those are denied, we are hearing he will ask for a continuance. What Geragos is asking for this morning is a whole new version of the penalty phase, right back to square one.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DORNIN (voice-over): A new jury taken to a different county to decide Scott Peterson's fate? Before the penalty phase begins Monday morning, the judge will consider defense attorney Mark Geragos' motions to replace the jury that convicted Peterson and remove away from Redwood City for the remaining testimony. The judge denied both requests earlier in the trial. Legal observers say the removal of two jurors just days before the verdict will likely be part of the defense argument.
(on camera): Could there be good reason for juror misconduct or a tainted jury to change juries now?
CHUCK SMITH, FMR. SAN MATEO COUNTY PROSECUTOR: No, there really can't, because if there was juror misconduct in the decision to find him guilty, that will be dealt with on appeal and the verdict of guilt will be overturned.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We find the defendant Scott Lee Peterson guilty of the crime of murder...
(APPLAUSE)
DORNIN (voice-over): This scene after the verdict may also have the defense claiming there is a blood-thirsty mob here that wants Peterson to die. Should the penalty phase go forward, two words are often used to describe it: gut-wrenching. It's when Laci Peterson's family and friends will spell out the anguish, the loss, the anger, the grief.
The defendant's family will then likely plead for his life. Peterson has no previous criminal past. Legal analysts say because there was no murder weapon, no cause of death and no evidence of a crime scene, Mark Geragos could argue to the jury the concept of lingering doubt.
SMITH: Mark Geragos very directly can say to that jury, "I acknowledge that you found Scott Peterson guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. But in your heart of hearts, you can't be sure enough of your decision to condemn him to die."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DORNIN: If the jury does sentence Scott Peterson to death in California, the judge can overturn that decision and give him a life sentence. But on the other hand, if the jury gives him life, the judge cannot elevate that to death nor can he reduce his death sentence -- or the life sentence -- Rick.
SANCHEZ: Rusty Dornin following it for us. We'll be checking back with you, Rusty, as need be as this trial develops throughout the day.
NGUYEN: There is word that U.S. commanders may be ready to beef up troop numbers in Iraq ahead of January elections. We want to bring in Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr this morning to explain a little more on this.
Barbara, is this in response to Falluja or has this been in the works for a little while?
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, as you say, in fact it has been in the works for some time. In the wake of Falluja, top commanders, military commanders are looking at the troop levels. But officials tell us, no decision has been made yet about whether to increase troop levels, and, in fact, no request has been made for troops.
But what is on the table is the question of what to do about this election time frame. Elections now scheduled for January 30 in Iraq. As they look at that and the expected level of potential upcoming violence, they are trying to determine whether in fact they will need more troops.
Now, what is expected, of course, is some adjustment to the troop rotation schedule first, for at least a temporary increase. One of the top generals recently spoke about this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. GEN. LANCE L. SMITH, DEPUTY COMMANDING GENERAL, CENTCOM: We will expect by using extensions of some -- some troops that were only planning on being over there for 10 months, extending them another two months so that they still would be on the ground, you know, about a year. And using that to have additional forces over there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: If they do decide that they actually need more additional troops, sources say the two likeliest options, accelerating the deployment of the 3rd Infantry Division or sending a brigade from the 82nd Airborne. But sources still say no decision, no request just yet. They're continuing to look at the situation.
NGUYEN: All right. Thank you, Barbara.
SANCHEZ: What is going on with Iran's uranium enrichment program? We're going to try to answer that question exclusively. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Christiane Amanpour here at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, where a special conference on Iraq is taking place. We are joined right now by the Iranian foreign minister, who is among many of the foreign ministers from neighboring countries who have come here.
In addition, there will be foreign ministers from Europe, from the United States and others interested not only in the future of Iraq, but most specifically, Mr. Foreign Minister, when it comes to Iran about the nuclear issue. Thank you for joining us, .
Today, the head of the IAEA is telling us "I think pretty much everything has come to a halt in terms of uranium enrichment in Iran." Can you tell us precisely what step Iran has taken now on this issue?
KAMAL KHARRAZI, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: As a matter of fact, since today, the whole enrichment process has been suspended. And this is going to be verified by inspectors of IAEA.
AMANPOUR: Now, it just seems that every time you make these announcements and you take these steps it all sort of, so to speak, blows up again within a few months. The latest is that not only the opposition groups but others have said that Iran has "aggressively produced" a quantity of uranium hexafluoride, which is essential for the enrichment process. Also, that weapons-grade uranium has been purchased and bomb designs from Pakistan.
What is actually going on?
KHARRAZI: As a matter of fact, this was announced and it is not true, that Iran has not enriched uranium yet or has not bought any uranium from outside. But to produce UF6, the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is capable to produce. But now it is in suspension.
AMANPOUR: So it is now suspended?
KHARRAZI: Yes.
AMANPOUR: And is that an indefinite suspension? What is the plan?
KHARRAZI: The plan is based on the agreement reached between Iran and some of the Europeans, that we started negotiations in three working groups. After three months, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the process. If it was positive, we can continue.
AMANPOUR: And what would constitute positive? KHARRAZI: Positive means that we are arriving to some conclusions. And the commission and the commitments met by the other side is going to be materialized.
AMANPOUR: And what specific commitment are you talking about right now?
KHARRAZI: There are three working groups, and each group is going to evaluate different measures that has to be taken. But the final measure naturally is to come up with a mechanism that would assure Europeans that Iran is not going to divert to nuclear weapons.
AMANPOUR: You know your fiercest critics are in the United States. Your American counterpart, Secretary of State Colin Powell, said just last week that he has been shown intelligence that Iran is "working hard to produce a nuclear-tipped missile," a missile that can take a nuclear warhead.
KHARRAZI: He has better to share this intelligence that he claims with others. Just claiming something is not enough. And the burden to prove is on the shoulder of the person who makes the claims.
AMANPOUR: Are you denying it?
KHARRAZI: Yes.
AMANPOUR: Does it concern you though that similar voices that were heard in the preamble to the Iraq war are saying about Iran that they suspect you have nuclear weapons or you're trying to produce nuclear weapons, and that it needs to be dealt with additional economic sanctions, with military action, or even with regime change?
KHARRAZI: I believe doing (ph) on wrong formation has not added to the reputation of American administration, but has put it into serious question internationally. I believe there is need of more information. And American administration is in lack of information.
AMANPOUR: So you're just saying that the lack of intelligence on nuclear weapons in Iraq...
KHARRAZI: No, just generally. Iraq is one example. Americans have made many mistakes out of ignorance, out of lack of information, out of wrong information. And Iraqis won't accept that.
AMANPOUR: And are you nonetheless not concerned, though, that there is a very serious movement in the United States that they will not tolerate a nuclear armed Iran?
KHARRAZI: No, Iran is not going to be nuclear at all. Iran does not have any plan to produce nuclear weapons. It is determined to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. And nobody can deny the right of Iran to do it.
AMANPOUR: So are you -- what will you do then after three months? Will you start enriching again in order for peaceful purposes? Or what happens? If you are determined to pursuit peaceful... KHARRAZI: We hope. We hope to arrive to some kind of agreement with the European side that assures them that Iran is not going to divert toward nuclear weapons, but at the same time continue with (UNINTELLIGIBLE) technology for peaceful purposes.
AMANPOUR: Are you planning to have any dialogue here at this meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell?
KHARRAZI: No, it has not been scheduled.
AMANPOUR: So you will not meet him?
KHARRAZI: No.
AMANPOUR: Do you worry or are you concerned or are you prepared for a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities?
KHARRAZI: There are some concerns, but the question is that what happens if there would be such a preemptive action? I don't think it helps anyone, but it creates more crisis and more problems. And we have enough problems in the world. And therefore, I believe that leads to nothing but more crisis.
AMANPOUR: Can you tell me how you plan to bolster, if you like, the level of trust between your country and western countries, whether it be Europe or -- or the United States? As I say, we've seen these declarations by Iran before, these instances of suddenly last year suspending the uranium enrichment, and then, you know, other things come to the surface. People then again point to the fact that, well, you've been doing this secretly and that secretly. I mea, how are you going to actually bolster the level of trust?
KHARRAZI: To take measures that would create more confidence. And that's what exactly what we are doing. If we have decided to suspend uranium enrichment (UNINTELLIGIBLE), it's just to bring more confidence, nothing else. And we hope that this measure's good and to more confidence. Otherwise it may be not useful.
SANCHEZ: Kamal Kharrazi, the foreign minister for the Iranians, with that fascinating and exclusive interview with Christiane Amanpour. The upshot of the interview, of course, is what you heard him say right at the outset, and that is that the enrichment, the uranium enrichment program from Iran is canceled, suspended, no more.
As to criticism from U.S. officials and others around the world, he said, "Well, Americans have made mistakes before, mostly based on intelligence." So it's obviously a story that we will continue to follow throughout the course of the day.
NGUYEN: Continue to follow, yes.
And some big developments in the world of sports as well. Lou Holtz is officially retiring from the University of South Carolina, the football team there. We will have that.
SANCHEZ: Also, the fight that cost one NBA player more than $4 million. But do big suspensions punish the guilty in this case?
That's what we'll talk about. We're coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: Most would call this man a college football legend. That is Lou Holtz, and he is officially retiring today. But he's going out ugly. A big brawl at his game this weekend between his team, South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson. Let's listen in now to some of the final words.
LOU HOLTZ, GAMECOCKS HEAD COACH: ... worthy of three bowl games in the last five years. We've done some good things. We've done some good things, and all I'm concerned about is the future of the University of South Carolina.
Every decision I've made since I've been here is tried to be in the best interest of the University of South Carolina. I thank the many friends that we've made here. I'm not much of a social person. Never have been, don't go to many parties because there's always different clicks. And if you go to this click and then that one -- so it's just my wife and myself.
The only thing I truly regret was the coaching profession demands so much time. I didn't take the opportunity to spend more time with my grandchildren located in this town.
Unless you spend time with them, they really don't get to know you, and you don't truly know them. And that I truly regret, and I'll try to make that up in the future.
But I always tend to focus on the positive, the good things. You look back, and I'll follow the University of South Carolina's success in the future.
Once again, thank you all, one and all.
SANCHEZ: Lou Holtz calling it quits. He coached at Arkansas, coached at Notre Dame, coached at Minnesota, finally at South Carolina.
He's going to be replaced, interestingly enough, probably by the most sought after football coach in the nation. That would be Steve Spurrier. But again, unfortunately his last game was an ugly one.
A big brawl in the middle of the field the other day between his team, South Carolina, and as you can see in some of the pictures that we have for you right there, Clemson. That's Holtz right in the middle of the thing trying to separate both teams. But it went on for quite some time.
Expect fines to be levied . Expect problems as a result of that. Lou Holtz once again retiring from college football.
NGUYEN: Well, from one brawl to another, boxing had a thriller in Manila, and baseball recently saw the reverse of the curse. Now many will likely be saying, "Where were you when the melee in Michigan went down?"
Over the weekend, the Pacers-Pistons game turned into a sparring match with fans. Now the NBA has suspended nine players for various amounts of time, and all without pay.
As the fists flew fast and furious, many focused on the players throwing those punches. But what about the fired up fans in the stands? Still talking, former NBA player Charles Barkley had this to say on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLES BARKLEY, FMR. BASKETBALL PLAYER: Any time a fan touches you, you have the right to beat the hell out of them. Forget -- I'm a man. I'm not going to let anybody disrespect me.
I mean, I don't believe in that. I'm not going to defend what Ron Artest did, but the fans really crossed that line Friday night. They have been crossing it for years.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: There you have it.
And for fighting like hockey players, nine players are now on ice. Indiana's Ron Artest is out the entire season, costing him almost $5 million.
Also losing part of their salaries are Indiana's Stephen Jackson, Jermaine O'Neal and Anthony Johnson. Detroit's Ben Wallace will sick sit out six games, costing him $400,000. Now, four players were given one-game suspensions, Reggie Miller of the Pacers and Pistons players Chauncey Billups, Derrick Coleman and Elden Campbell.
SANCHEZ: Yes. And for more on the pandemonium at the palace, and the price of this punishment, we turn to Marc Stein. He's a sportswriter with ESPN.com. He's joining us by phone from Bristol, Connecticut.
I've got so many thoughts on this thing, as I'm sure so many Americans who have seen the video have. But I'll just let you begin. Marc, what's your take?
MARC STEIN, SPORTSWRITER, ESPN.COM: Well, I wasn't surprised that Artest got the whole year. I really thought Stern was going to come down on him harder than we've ever seen.
I was a bit surprised that Jermaine O'Neal and Jackson got 55 games between them. But basically, for the last year there have just been numerous times where the league has been embroiled in controversies, player behavior has been questioned. And David Stern hasn't really been able to do anything about it.
SANCHEZ: Well, he certainly...
(CROSSTALK) STEIN: He had to sit back and kind of take it and watch it and just see what happened.
SANCHEZ: He certainly has done something about it this time, Marc. In fact, I'd say he's very decisive in this case.
He came out right away and he really -- he's really nailing these guys. I mean, you -- an entire season. I don't know when I've heard, except maybe going back to Paul Horning (ph), when somebody was just kicked out for the entire year.
STEIN: Well, don't forget that David Stern sees his league as, you know, right there with soccer as a global force. And he pays attention to what happens in the soccer world.
And if you go back 10 years, a Manchester United player kicked a fan and was banned for eight months. And if you compare that incident to this one, that was a handshake.
I mean, this was -- went from a brawl to a full-scale melee. And so because it was so much worse than anything we'd ever seen, you knew that that's how the reaction from him was going to be. He had the hammer this time. And he's been waiting for something like this.
SANCHEZ: Let's take the fans through this real quick. There you see the big shove. And as a matter of fact, it's interesting that Wallace first shoves him.
Should Wallace have been ejected right there? Would that have ended things?
STEIN: No. I mean, one thing that was interesting, you heard yesterday that the commissioner said the league needs to do a better job of when an incident cooled down. And that had cooled down.
They should have been able to stop it. There was a time from when it got from the players brawling to Artest being hit with a cup. And then it's getting into the stands.
So the league does need to find a way to get teams to their benches faster. You know, Wallace -- Wallace would have been gone but the game didn't continue.
SANCHEZ: Well, unfortunately, they're right there in the middle of it. I mean, basketball, unlike most other sports, has the fans literally on top of you.
Let me ask you about him being on the scorer's table, obviously -- or seemingly hurt. Although as soon as he got mad, he didn't look really hurt. What was the deal with that?
STEIN: He wasn't hurt. He was trying to basically send a message that he was -- he was calm in this storm. But, you know, there are players that feel that him just laying there was kind of showing up the Pistons and inflamed things even worse. So...
SANCHEZ: Are they right? Are they right?
STEIN: ... there are two ways you could look at it.
SANCHEZ: Well, are they right when they say that? I mean, why is a player laying down as if he were, you know, getting a suntan at a scoring table at the beach?
STEIN: Well, with Ron's history, I think people were a lot happier seeing him laying down than still on the court getting into it with Ben Wallace. So I think more people probably preferred that than had a problem with it. But definitely the Pistons' players had a problem with it, no question.
SANCHEZ: What caused this? Is it us, is it our society, is it the video games our kids are seeing and the players they're idolizing who are brutal? What's going on?
STEIN: Well, I wish I could generalize and give you one great answer why. But, I mean, there's no question here that the fans have to -- have to -- they definitely played a role here.
And I think, again, we should -- we should follow soccer. And the next time Indiana's in Detroit, the Pistons should have no fans at this game. That's what you see internationally when there's crowd trouble at a soccer match, the home team the next time generally has to play an empty stadium. And there's no question that Pistons' fans, not all of them, but a lot of them inflamed this situation...
SANCHEZ: Yes.
STEIN: ... went on the court where they don't belong. And I agree with Charles Barkley. Once a fan goes on the court, that's fair game. All you needed to see was...
(CROSSTALK)
SANCHEZ: But wait. But hold up, Marc. Marc, it was a plastic cup thrown from 30 feet away. That's a far cry from jumping on the court and hitting a player.
STEIN: Right, no. But Artest went into the stands. But after that then there were fans on the court. SANCHEZ: Oh, OK.
STEIN: You saw punches being thrown. Why are those fans on the court? They don't belong on the court.
SANCHEZ: No, point well made. Marc Stein, thanks so much for being with us. Interesting discussion.
And, of course, you know, the true test here will be whether Artest now gets a video game named after him after this incident. That will tell us how well the NBA has been able to control it, not cause more of these problems.
NGUYEN: We're going to have a lot of talk about this. And of course we're going to continue this throughout the day here on CNN. SANCHEZ: Yes. There's supposed to be only games, but sportsmanship is often absent. Tune in to CNN's "PAULA ZAHN NOW" tonight. She's going to have a one-hour special on just this thing we were talking about, athletes and violence. Again, 8:00 p.m. Eastern right here on CNN.
NGUYEN: I'm going to take a quick break as I prepare for the noon show. But you're staying on. And there's much more CNN LIVE TODAY to come, including, not sure what to do in the event of a terrorist attack or what your kids should do?
SANCHEZ: Yes, the government is hoping that a new series of public service announcements can help. You're going to be able to see it for yourself next.
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