Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

President Bush Addresses U.S. Troops in Germany; Pentagon Confirming Two Rape Allegations Made Against U.S. Troops in Iraq

Aired February 23, 2005 - 10:30   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.


RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: We're right at the midpoint as we begin our first hour. And I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.

The rain keeps falling in Southern California. The weekly total already stands at more than nine inches. Sliding hillsides threaten to collapse dozens of homes, and mudslides have forced Amtrak to suspend service between L.A. and Santa Barbara, at least through Thursday.

They disagreed about Iraq, but a joint press conference today in Germany, President Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder did find an agreement on Iran. Both say everything possible must be done to keep nuclear weapons out of the Islamic republic.

Just about an hour from now, President Bush will speak to U.S. troops in (INAUDIBLE) Germany. CNN does plan coverage of that. You'll see it live here.

The identification of 9/11 remains has come to an end. The New York City medical examiner's office says it has exhausted all current DNA technology. But officials say if new DNA technology emerges, the I.D. process could start up again. More than 40 percent of the 9/11 families had no recovered remains for burial.

And Iraq opened all of its border crossings today. The government had sealed borders last week to bar insurgents during the holiday of Ashura. Ashura is the holiest day on the Shiite calendar. The holiday usually attracts pilgrims to Iraq from around the world. Dozens of people were killed in Baghdad attacks over the holidays.

SANCHEZ: And here's a big story we're following for you. The Pentagon is confirming two rape allegations that have been made against U.S. troops in Iraq. One was dismissed, but the other involves a female Iraqi prisoner and is still under investigation.

CNN's senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre has been following ups this story. He updates us now from the Defense Department.

Good morning, Jamie.

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick.

Well, the Pentagon says this allegation is not a new allegation. In fact, it stems from more than a year ago at the Abu Ghraib prison, a complaint by a female prisoner. But it disclosed the investigation yesterday, in part, because of questions by members of Congress about whether or not U.S. military personnel had raped or sexually assaulted female prisoners. In response to that, the Pentagon acknowledges that there have been at least two allegations of rape.

One of them, as you say, was investigated, and the case was closed for insufficient evidence. The second case, we're told, remains under investigation, but Pentagon officials say there are still some questions about the credibility of the allegation. And it has not yet been substantiated. This came, again, as a result of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's appearance on Capitol Hill last week. He was asked a number of questions about whether U.S. military personnel had sexually assaulted Iraqi women in their custody, because of a lot of rumors that had been circulating on the Internet. He said he wasn't aware of any allegations, but he would get back to them, and that's where the answer came back.

Again, the Pentagon says it is investigating fully any allegations of sexual abuse, or abuse and punishing people when proper. In fact, they point out there have been several cases where people have been disciplined for forcing Iraqi prisoners to expose themselves improperly, or under duress, and there's another case that's under investigation, an alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy in U.S. custody by a U.S. contractor. That case is under investigation by the Justice Department -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre with the Defense Department -- Jamie.

KAGAN: Let's take a look at other stories making news coast to coast this morning. The fatal shooting by Los Angeles police earlier this month of a 13-year-old. The boy's family has now filed a wrongful-death suit against the city. Authorities say the boy was killed after backing a stolen vehicle into a patrol car.

SANCHEZ: In Atlantic City, a bartender applying for a job at a casino has filed a discrimination suit over its weight policy. Servers and bartenders are subject to being suspended if they gain more than 7 percent of their body weight. A judge will now decide.

KAGAN: A California man is ready to finally pay his parking fine after 50 years. Jack Kramer got the ticket in Flint, Michigan when he was in college, but he misplaced it a long time ago. The Flint police are waiving the $1 fine, but want the ticket back as a memento. Kramer says he's going to pay the buck anyway. Good for him.

SANCHEZ: This is a high-profile trip we're going to be telling you about, and the world is watching. We're not talking about the president's trip to Europe.

Still to come, the ladies from the first all-woman's Antarctic expedition are going to join us from the Arctic. KAGAN: Yes, they're trying the other side of the world this time. You might think they're nuts, but they are inspirational.

Plus, if you just purchased one, maybe you'll wish you waited. iPod is getting even better. Business news straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Time to check the markets on Wall Street. It can only do better than yesterday. Yesterday absolutely brutal.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: Carly Simon, she has been honored with every major music award during her career, so perhaps it's no surprise she would turn to music to deal with one of the toughest challenges of her life. Tonight, 8:00, CNN's Paula Zahn talks candidly with the songwriter about the pain and fear of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARLY SIMON, SINGER/SONGWRITER: When I was first diagnosed, I heard about it over the phone and I went into swift denial. And I put my head down on the table, still with the phone in my hand, saying this can't be. This just can't be true. It's impossible.

PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: What got you through that?

SIMON: I would say what got me through that period was my own little chaps. My own little chaps who mobilized inside my body and brain and came together in conjunction with my wonderful oncologist and surgeon and my sisters and my family. And together, we were like little marching soldiers saying, you know, we're going to find a way through this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Carly Simon, Lynn Redgrave, Tommy Thompson, Paula's own mother join Paula for touching personal stories about their private battles with the killer. Breast cancer survivor stories, a primetime special tonight, 8:00 p.m. Eastern only on CNN.

SANCHEZ: That was my fault, by the way.

KAGAN: What was?

SANCHEZ: Well, I was talking to you and I kind of disturbed your train of thought.

KAGAN: It's all right. Well, you're excited about the story we're about to talk about.

SANCHEZ: It is. Rain, sleet, snow, ice. Two women, they challenge the Arctic Ocean.

KAGAN: They do this because they want to. SANCHEZ: Not because they have to.

KAGAN: No. They are trying to inspire people to go after their dreams. Still to come, Ann and Liv, do you remember them? They're going to talk about their historic expedition. They have done something like this at the bottom of the world, now they head to the top.

SANCHEZ: Wow. Also, later, a new home causes a bit of a problem for Fido here. Here, Fido. Stay with.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Now a chance to welcome back two of the most inspirational women we have had on this program in recent years. Three years ago, you might remember, two women became the first women in history to ski and sail across Antarctica.

Now they have a new idea. Polar explorers Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen are setting off on another history-making quest. This time, they want to cross the mostly frozen Arctic Ocean. We catch them, and we catch up with them in Siberia, where they are waiting to get under way. Ann and Liv, and I think Ann, you're on the phone with us. Hello.

ANN BANCROFT, POLAR EXPLORER: I am. Nice to talk with you again.

KAGAN: It's great to have you along. Now, explain to us what the trek and the goal is this time.

BANCROFT: Well, the goal this time is -- you know, Liv and I are billing this as our ultimate. I mean, Liv is 51 years old now, I'm 49, and we're going to try to cross the tip of Siberia, a place called Cape Archeski (ph), the very tip of Russia, onto the Arctic ocean, work our way to the North Pole, and then set our sights to Canada, the very tip of Canada, a place called Ward Hunt Island (ph) on Elsnore Island (ph). So it is really a big, big challenge for the two of us. It is shifting ice cap and it's going to be wild.

KAGAN: I bet it is. Now, of course, the big question you guys usually get, or you gals, I should say, is why? Why do you want to do this?

BANCROFT: Well, the why question, you know, is, you know, you've covered us a long time. And I think you understand, it's really -- it's a little bit about being the first women to do such an undertaking that is so physically and mentally challenging. But it's ultimately to inspire and ignite young people around the world.

We have great partners like the National Girl Scouts in the U.S. and then the international girl scouts, called the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, all over the world. That's about 10 million girls just there talking with us as we travel across the ice. And we use the trip, really, as a metaphor, as a platform, to talk about their dreams and aspirations, not anything really to do with the Pole.

KAGAN: The next question becomes how. Because this is not a little walk in the park or a walk in the woods. I understand this time, Ann, it even it might involve doing a little swimming?

BANCROFT: Well, you know, we're always looking for efficient ways, because we always have such a time parameter. We're leaving -- in fact, we're stuck in Siberia, you know, trying to move our way up to launch onto the ice as quickly as possible while the ice is still good. And so we're looking for ways to be most efficient on the ice. And one of the ways we've looked at very seriously is actually swimming. But we do this in a very specialized dry-suit, so we will immerse ourselves in the chunky, icy waters and swim across open expanses, you know, like the size of streams and brooks and hopefully not too wide rivers, and we'll swim across in these dry suits and then get to the other side and pull our sleds across and keep on skiing, just as we did on Antarctica.

KAGAN: Keep on going. What are going to be the biggest challenges on this trip, as opposed to Antarctica, or some of the expeditions you've done before?

BANCROFT: Well, I think the greatest challenge for us in a lot of ways is the fact that we're on an ocean, so even though we're traveling on ice, pulling those heavy sleds, just as we've always done, we can push our sleds 10 miles north and work really hard in a long, long day, and then put up our tents, and we can drift back those same 10 miles. So we're at the mercy of the winds and the currents of the ocean, and that's going to make it extremely challenging to get across.

KAGAN: Well, you know we are rooting you on, and we're going to check in with you along the way. We're going to invite the viewers to follow you both online and here on CNN LIVE TODAY. So whatever you do, don't get the sat phone wet, OK?

BANCROFT: Keep the sat phone dry.

KAGAN: Keep that dry, good luck, be safe out there, and our best to Leif Arneson (ph) as well. Safe, safe voyage.

BANCROFT: Well, thank you.

KAGAN: Ann Bancroft Ann and Leif Arneson, they're leaving. Those sleds that they pulled, by the way, are like 200 pounds of supplies.

SANCHEZ: Wow, this has to got to take months, right?

KAGAN: By June they want to be there.

SANCHEZ: Wow, that's courage.

KAGAN: We'll be tracking them.

SANCHEZ: It is now nine minutes before the hour, and we're going continue to follow the day's news. Coming up, we're going to take you to California where one pooch, before referred to as Fido, found out the hard way about a backyard booby trap. Oh, poor thing.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Live pictures. This is Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany. President Bush arriving there to address the troops. When the president begins to speak, we will take those comments live.

SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, we want to tell you about a story that we find fascinating, and so do many Americans. It's something that's been known in Europe for quite some time, the Michelin Man. He's about to eat up the Big Apple. It's true. It's confusing, we know, so let's clear things up for you. It's the world most prestigious restaurant guide, and it's finally taking on New York's finest eating establishments, something that you read that will tell you what restaurants are good, what's not so good and what's downright horrible. The famed "Red Book" should be ready for the gourmands by November.

Eduard Michelin is the CEO of the Michelin group, and he's joining us now from the Time-Warner headquarters in New York with a nice big smile for us.

He's Mr. Michelin.

EDUARD MICHELIN, CEO, THE MICHELIN GROUP: Hello.

SANCHEZ: And as we understand it, Eduard, you have been wanting to do this for 20 years now. Why now? And why are you so excited about it?

MICHELIN: I must tell you about the history of the guide to make sure you really understands what it means to us. When my great grandfather founded the company 100 years ago, he was convinced that travel would develop very much, and we needed to help the travelers, that's how (INAUDIBLE) we started in maps and guides. But so far, in the last 100 years, we grew our presence and guides only in Europe. And we feel that today it's absolutely immersed, to expand globally as a company, has expanded. And New York is a natural gate where we need to be and bring value in our selection of hotels and restaurants.

SANCHEZ: Most Americans choose a restaurant because their neighbor or a family member told them it's really good, and they get used to going there.

MICHELIN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: But we understand that because of you, and your system, people in Europe really, really decide where they're going to eat based on what you tell them. What has made your rating system so phenomenal, so different from anything we here in the states have ever seen?

MICHELIN: Yes, and I think many American travelers in Europe are using our guide already. What we do and the very unique way that we have professional inspectors, that our Michelin employees will go to the restaurants and behave anonymously like a normal consumer, and afterwards with very precise criteria, they make their evaluation. So it's not a directory or compilation of critic opinions, but it's really a very scientific matter that we apply.

SANCHEZ: It's amazing, and we're told you're just going to have so many people who have already been rating. It's comes out soon.

As a matter of fact, we're going to interrupt the conversation, because we understand the president is about to speak. Hopefully we'll be able to catch up with you in a little bit.

Once again, Mr. Michelin, Eduard Michelin, beginning that new process of rating system in New York.

KAGAN: And now we move on to Mr. Bush at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany. Let's listen in.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you very much. Thank you for the warm welcome. Laura and I were in the neighborhood...

(LAUGHTER)

... and thought we'd just stop by to say hello. Howdy. It's an honor to be here with so many outstanding soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines from this base and others in Germany. Laura and I are proud to be with you. I'm glad to be with the men and women of the 3rd Support Command and the 421st Medical Evacuation Battalion.

(APPLAUSE)

I see a lot of big red ones here in the crowd.

(APPLAUSE)

I know you're just back from Iraq. I'm pleased to say: Job well done.

(APPLAUSE)

It's good to be at proud home of the 1st Armored Division.

(APPLAUSE)

Some of you Iron Soldiers might have seen me before. I was the guy serving turkey.

I arrived this morning from Brussels, where I was meeting with some of our vital allies in the war on terror.

BUSH: I came to Wiesbaden to meet the men and women fighting on the front lines of that war.

You're carrying out challenging duties with skill and honor. Today, I bring you a message from back home: The American people are grateful to you. Your communities are proud of you. And as you defend the cause of freedom, America stands with you.

(APPLAUSE)

I also want to thank all the military families who are here today.

(APPLAUSE)

They tell me the quality of life here is really good. But it's a long way away from home, and it can be lonely when your loved ones are deployed on dangerous missions in distant lands. I know that.

You have built a strong, close-knit community here. You support all those who wear the uniform and you support each other through difficult times.

The service and sacrifice of America's military families is vital to our success in the war on terror, and your president is here to tell you I'm proud of our military families as well.

(APPLAUSE)

I appreciate Major General Marty Dempsey's introduction, and his wife, Jeannie (ph). Appreciate their leadership today.

We've got General Jim Jones, NATO supreme allied commander Europe, and his wife, Diane (ph), with us.

I'm traveling in some pretty good company. I like to be around strong women.

(APPLAUSE)

I want your men listening to your wives just like I listen to mine.

(APPLAUSE)

Laura's a fabulous first lady for our country.

BUSH: I'm proud of her.

(APPLAUSE)

The nation's got a great secretary of state in Condoleezza Rice.

(APPLAUSE)

I appreciate Ambassador Dan Coats and wife, Marsha. Dan has been our ambassador from the United States to Germany, and both have done a spectacular job on behalf of our nation.

(APPLAUSE) I want to thank Diana DeGarmo for helping to entertain you.

(APPLAUSE)

I don't know if you know this, Laura and I were raised in West Texas...

(APPLAUSE)

... and three boys were raised right down the street from us there in West Texas, and those were the Gatlin Boys. And I'm proud they're here.

(APPLAUSE)

Thanks for coming.

1st Armored and 1st Infantry Divisions are two of the oldest and proudest units in the United States Army.

Your predecessors fought the great battles of World War II, stood vigil through the decades of the Cold War, and served with distinction in Vietnam and Bosnia and Kosovo.

And on this day 14 years ago, soldiers in both your divisions spent their final night in Saudi Arabia before charging into Iraq to crush the army of Saddam Hussein.

On September 11th, 2001, history brought new responsibilities to our nation, new challenges.

That morning, America witnessed the violence and grief that terrorists can inflict. We had a glimpse of the greater destruction the terrorists intend.

On behalf of our nation, I made a pledge: We'll bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies.

BUSH: And you are the ones who are carrying out this vital mission.

Every one of you is a volunteer. You stepped forward to accept the hardest duties in this new war. And over the past three years, you've added to the great achievements of your divisions.

You're a part of the history of freedom and peace.

You know that terrorists will not be stopped by negotiations or concessions or appeals to reason. Terrorists must be confronted and they must be defeated.

In this war, there's only one option for victory: We must take the fight to the enemy.

(APPLAUSE) At this hour, brave Americans in uniform are protecting our country and others by hunting down the terrorists around the world one by one.

Since September 11th, more than three-quarters of Al Qaida's known key members and associates have been brought to justice. The rest of them are on the run. And the world's greatest fighting force is on their trail.

(APPLAUSE)

The day our nation was attacked, I made it clear that regimes that support terror would be considered equally guilty of terrorist murder. A few weeks later, the Taliban found out what we meant.

With good allies at our side, America's military liberated the people of Afghanistan from one of the most brutal regimes on Earth, destroyed the training camps where the attacks of September 11th were conceived.

We showed the terrorists there's no cave deep enough to hide from American justice.

Today, Afghanistan is a free country and an ally in the war on terror.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: After long years of oppression, women are participating in that society.

(APPLAUSE)

Boys and girls are going to school. The Afghan army and police are securing their country.

And last October, more than 8 million Afghan citizens cast their votes in the first free presidential election in Afghanistan's 5,000- year history.

(APPLAUSE)

As our men and women in uniform helped to transform Afghanistan, we also confronted a growing danger in Iraq.

One of the key lessons of September 11th is that we must confront threats before they fully materialize.

In Iraq, we found a threat to the entire world. Saddam Hussein supported terrorists, he pursued deadly weapons, he defied the just demands of the international community year after year, resolution after resolution.

The world gave him a final chance to disarm and when he refused to comply, he met the might and the resolve of the United States military. (APPLAUSE)

At a decisive moment in the history of freedom, America once again turned to the 1st Armored Division, and once again, the Iron Soldiers answered the call.

You moved into Iraq in April of 2003, and you stayed for 15 months. You waged an innovative, disciplined campaign, and because of your skill and sacrifice, Iraq is sovereign and Iraq is free.

(APPLAUSE)

Before the Iron Soldiers left for Iraq, secret police held the population in fear.

BUSH: And by the time you came home, you had trained thousands of Iraqi security forces who are now on the job defending their free country.

Before our soldiers left for Iraq, a terrible regime had decimated the country's education and health care systems. By the time you came home, you had repaired hundreds of schools and hospitals.

When our soldiers left for Iraq, Saddam Hussein was sitting in a palace. And by the time you came home, he was sitting in a prison cell.

(APPLAUSE)

You served with honor and distinction, and a little longer than some of you expected.

(LAUGHTER)

Some were boarding the plane home to return to your families when you got word that we'd extended your tour. I know that was a trying time. But no change in plans could shake your resolve. As a sergeant I met last year put it, "We're soldiers and we drive on."

(APPLAUSE)

In your final months in Iraq, you drove on to seven major cities, defeated Sadr's militias decisively. You restored control of Iraq's holy sites to peaceful citizens.

With your victories in Najaf and Karbala, you helped the Iraqi people take critical steps toward freedom. And you proved to a watching world that the United States of America will never retreat before bands of thugs and assassins.

(APPLAUSE)

The Iron Soldiers built the foundation for democracy in Iraq. And to help finish the job we turned to the Big Red 1.

(APPLAUSE)

From Kirkuk to Samarra to Tikrit, the soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division worked around the clock to prepare Iraq for free elections. Your challenges were unprecedented. And so was the outcome. More than 8 million Iraqi voters defied the terrorists by lining up at the polls, dipping their fingers in ink and casting the first free vote of their lives.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Their courage was noteworthy and inspiring. One voter came to the polls in a wheelchair, pushed by her grandson. She said, "I am here to cast my vote. Saddam killed six members of my family. This is the best revenge."

(APPLAUSE)

The Iraqi people have now taken rightful control of their destiny, and that would not have been possible without the 1st Infantry Division. By helping the people of that country turn back the enemies of democracy, you have acted in the great liberating tradition of our nation. And like generations of soldiers before you, you have shown that America's military is one of the world's greatest forces for good.

Together, the 1st Infantry Division and the 1st Armored Division have helped bring freedom and hope to a suffering people.

(APPLAUSE)

These units have a few other things in common. They both count on the fearless soldiers of the DUSTOFF Europe battalion for medical care on the battlefield. They both rely on the 3rd Support Command to deliver just about everything else they need.

BUSH: In a year of service in Iraq, the 3rd Support Command delivered more than 185 million gallons of fuel, issued more than 50 million meals and logged more than 25 million miles on the road. That's the equivalent of more than 1,000 trips around the world.

The 3rd Support Command carried out these duties on tight deadlines and often under enemy fire.

Your courage is appreciated by every soldier at this base, every soldier in the theater. And I thank you for keeping the force for the fight.

(APPLAUSE)

In this war on terror, all of you have taken great risks on my orders. And your service reflects the best qualities of America.

You have been brave in the face of danger, unshakeable in the times of testing and generous to those in need.

Some of your units have survived terrible injuries, and a grateful America will do everything we can to help them recover.

Some of you have said farewell to some fine Americans. They represent a new generation of heroes as great as any who have come before. Their example of unselfish courage inspires all who serve, and America will honor their names forever.

(APPLAUSE)

The sacrifices you have made will change the world for decades to come.

By fighting terrorists in places like Baghdad and Karbala and Tikrit, you are making sure we do not face those enemies at home.

By helping captive peoples gain their freedom, you have made a critical contribution to the history of liberty.

And that means the world will be more peaceful and our children and grandchildren will be more secure.

Your success is sending a clear message throughout the Middle East: that the only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror and replace hatred with hope is the force of human freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

You are serving in a critical period in freedom's history, and there'll be more difficult work ahead.

BUSH: Yet I'm optimistic about our future, because I know the character of freedom's defenders. I know the history of those who have defended our freedom.

Fifty years ago this summer, the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on West Berlin. Keeping free Berlin alive seemed like an impossible task, yet America and our allies refused to give in.

From this airfield, American pilots launched dangerous missions to supply Berlin. And they continued those flights at great risk for 11 months.

The heroes of the Berlin Airlift saved that city. And with their early resolve, they helped freedom triumph in the Cold War.

Today, America is again called to defend freedom. And once again, our military is answering the call.

I have hope for our country, and faith in our cause, and great confidence in the men and women who wear our nation's uniform.

(APPLAUSE)

With your courage, with your determination and with your skill, the cause of freedom will prevail. And we'll achieve the peace that we all want for future generations to come.

Thank you for letting us come by. Thank you for serving our great land.

May God bless you. May God bless America.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: We've been watching and listening in to President Bush as he addresses the troops at Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany, part of his five-day European tour. President Bush talking and encouraging soldiers to take the fight to the enemy.

Must more on President Bush's trip and his speech to the troops ahead. Also, a lot of other news happening today. And we will get to that after a break.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired February 23, 2005 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: We're right at the midpoint as we begin our first hour. And I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.

The rain keeps falling in Southern California. The weekly total already stands at more than nine inches. Sliding hillsides threaten to collapse dozens of homes, and mudslides have forced Amtrak to suspend service between L.A. and Santa Barbara, at least through Thursday.

They disagreed about Iraq, but a joint press conference today in Germany, President Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder did find an agreement on Iran. Both say everything possible must be done to keep nuclear weapons out of the Islamic republic.

Just about an hour from now, President Bush will speak to U.S. troops in (INAUDIBLE) Germany. CNN does plan coverage of that. You'll see it live here.

The identification of 9/11 remains has come to an end. The New York City medical examiner's office says it has exhausted all current DNA technology. But officials say if new DNA technology emerges, the I.D. process could start up again. More than 40 percent of the 9/11 families had no recovered remains for burial.

And Iraq opened all of its border crossings today. The government had sealed borders last week to bar insurgents during the holiday of Ashura. Ashura is the holiest day on the Shiite calendar. The holiday usually attracts pilgrims to Iraq from around the world. Dozens of people were killed in Baghdad attacks over the holidays.

SANCHEZ: And here's a big story we're following for you. The Pentagon is confirming two rape allegations that have been made against U.S. troops in Iraq. One was dismissed, but the other involves a female Iraqi prisoner and is still under investigation.

CNN's senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre has been following ups this story. He updates us now from the Defense Department.

Good morning, Jamie.

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick.

Well, the Pentagon says this allegation is not a new allegation. In fact, it stems from more than a year ago at the Abu Ghraib prison, a complaint by a female prisoner. But it disclosed the investigation yesterday, in part, because of questions by members of Congress about whether or not U.S. military personnel had raped or sexually assaulted female prisoners. In response to that, the Pentagon acknowledges that there have been at least two allegations of rape.

One of them, as you say, was investigated, and the case was closed for insufficient evidence. The second case, we're told, remains under investigation, but Pentagon officials say there are still some questions about the credibility of the allegation. And it has not yet been substantiated. This came, again, as a result of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's appearance on Capitol Hill last week. He was asked a number of questions about whether U.S. military personnel had sexually assaulted Iraqi women in their custody, because of a lot of rumors that had been circulating on the Internet. He said he wasn't aware of any allegations, but he would get back to them, and that's where the answer came back.

Again, the Pentagon says it is investigating fully any allegations of sexual abuse, or abuse and punishing people when proper. In fact, they point out there have been several cases where people have been disciplined for forcing Iraqi prisoners to expose themselves improperly, or under duress, and there's another case that's under investigation, an alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy in U.S. custody by a U.S. contractor. That case is under investigation by the Justice Department -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre with the Defense Department -- Jamie.

KAGAN: Let's take a look at other stories making news coast to coast this morning. The fatal shooting by Los Angeles police earlier this month of a 13-year-old. The boy's family has now filed a wrongful-death suit against the city. Authorities say the boy was killed after backing a stolen vehicle into a patrol car.

SANCHEZ: In Atlantic City, a bartender applying for a job at a casino has filed a discrimination suit over its weight policy. Servers and bartenders are subject to being suspended if they gain more than 7 percent of their body weight. A judge will now decide.

KAGAN: A California man is ready to finally pay his parking fine after 50 years. Jack Kramer got the ticket in Flint, Michigan when he was in college, but he misplaced it a long time ago. The Flint police are waiving the $1 fine, but want the ticket back as a memento. Kramer says he's going to pay the buck anyway. Good for him.

SANCHEZ: This is a high-profile trip we're going to be telling you about, and the world is watching. We're not talking about the president's trip to Europe.

Still to come, the ladies from the first all-woman's Antarctic expedition are going to join us from the Arctic. KAGAN: Yes, they're trying the other side of the world this time. You might think they're nuts, but they are inspirational.

Plus, if you just purchased one, maybe you'll wish you waited. iPod is getting even better. Business news straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Time to check the markets on Wall Street. It can only do better than yesterday. Yesterday absolutely brutal.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: Carly Simon, she has been honored with every major music award during her career, so perhaps it's no surprise she would turn to music to deal with one of the toughest challenges of her life. Tonight, 8:00, CNN's Paula Zahn talks candidly with the songwriter about the pain and fear of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARLY SIMON, SINGER/SONGWRITER: When I was first diagnosed, I heard about it over the phone and I went into swift denial. And I put my head down on the table, still with the phone in my hand, saying this can't be. This just can't be true. It's impossible.

PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: What got you through that?

SIMON: I would say what got me through that period was my own little chaps. My own little chaps who mobilized inside my body and brain and came together in conjunction with my wonderful oncologist and surgeon and my sisters and my family. And together, we were like little marching soldiers saying, you know, we're going to find a way through this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Carly Simon, Lynn Redgrave, Tommy Thompson, Paula's own mother join Paula for touching personal stories about their private battles with the killer. Breast cancer survivor stories, a primetime special tonight, 8:00 p.m. Eastern only on CNN.

SANCHEZ: That was my fault, by the way.

KAGAN: What was?

SANCHEZ: Well, I was talking to you and I kind of disturbed your train of thought.

KAGAN: It's all right. Well, you're excited about the story we're about to talk about.

SANCHEZ: It is. Rain, sleet, snow, ice. Two women, they challenge the Arctic Ocean.

KAGAN: They do this because they want to. SANCHEZ: Not because they have to.

KAGAN: No. They are trying to inspire people to go after their dreams. Still to come, Ann and Liv, do you remember them? They're going to talk about their historic expedition. They have done something like this at the bottom of the world, now they head to the top.

SANCHEZ: Wow. Also, later, a new home causes a bit of a problem for Fido here. Here, Fido. Stay with.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Now a chance to welcome back two of the most inspirational women we have had on this program in recent years. Three years ago, you might remember, two women became the first women in history to ski and sail across Antarctica.

Now they have a new idea. Polar explorers Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen are setting off on another history-making quest. This time, they want to cross the mostly frozen Arctic Ocean. We catch them, and we catch up with them in Siberia, where they are waiting to get under way. Ann and Liv, and I think Ann, you're on the phone with us. Hello.

ANN BANCROFT, POLAR EXPLORER: I am. Nice to talk with you again.

KAGAN: It's great to have you along. Now, explain to us what the trek and the goal is this time.

BANCROFT: Well, the goal this time is -- you know, Liv and I are billing this as our ultimate. I mean, Liv is 51 years old now, I'm 49, and we're going to try to cross the tip of Siberia, a place called Cape Archeski (ph), the very tip of Russia, onto the Arctic ocean, work our way to the North Pole, and then set our sights to Canada, the very tip of Canada, a place called Ward Hunt Island (ph) on Elsnore Island (ph). So it is really a big, big challenge for the two of us. It is shifting ice cap and it's going to be wild.

KAGAN: I bet it is. Now, of course, the big question you guys usually get, or you gals, I should say, is why? Why do you want to do this?

BANCROFT: Well, the why question, you know, is, you know, you've covered us a long time. And I think you understand, it's really -- it's a little bit about being the first women to do such an undertaking that is so physically and mentally challenging. But it's ultimately to inspire and ignite young people around the world.

We have great partners like the National Girl Scouts in the U.S. and then the international girl scouts, called the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, all over the world. That's about 10 million girls just there talking with us as we travel across the ice. And we use the trip, really, as a metaphor, as a platform, to talk about their dreams and aspirations, not anything really to do with the Pole.

KAGAN: The next question becomes how. Because this is not a little walk in the park or a walk in the woods. I understand this time, Ann, it even it might involve doing a little swimming?

BANCROFT: Well, you know, we're always looking for efficient ways, because we always have such a time parameter. We're leaving -- in fact, we're stuck in Siberia, you know, trying to move our way up to launch onto the ice as quickly as possible while the ice is still good. And so we're looking for ways to be most efficient on the ice. And one of the ways we've looked at very seriously is actually swimming. But we do this in a very specialized dry-suit, so we will immerse ourselves in the chunky, icy waters and swim across open expanses, you know, like the size of streams and brooks and hopefully not too wide rivers, and we'll swim across in these dry suits and then get to the other side and pull our sleds across and keep on skiing, just as we did on Antarctica.

KAGAN: Keep on going. What are going to be the biggest challenges on this trip, as opposed to Antarctica, or some of the expeditions you've done before?

BANCROFT: Well, I think the greatest challenge for us in a lot of ways is the fact that we're on an ocean, so even though we're traveling on ice, pulling those heavy sleds, just as we've always done, we can push our sleds 10 miles north and work really hard in a long, long day, and then put up our tents, and we can drift back those same 10 miles. So we're at the mercy of the winds and the currents of the ocean, and that's going to make it extremely challenging to get across.

KAGAN: Well, you know we are rooting you on, and we're going to check in with you along the way. We're going to invite the viewers to follow you both online and here on CNN LIVE TODAY. So whatever you do, don't get the sat phone wet, OK?

BANCROFT: Keep the sat phone dry.

KAGAN: Keep that dry, good luck, be safe out there, and our best to Leif Arneson (ph) as well. Safe, safe voyage.

BANCROFT: Well, thank you.

KAGAN: Ann Bancroft Ann and Leif Arneson, they're leaving. Those sleds that they pulled, by the way, are like 200 pounds of supplies.

SANCHEZ: Wow, this has to got to take months, right?

KAGAN: By June they want to be there.

SANCHEZ: Wow, that's courage.

KAGAN: We'll be tracking them.

SANCHEZ: It is now nine minutes before the hour, and we're going continue to follow the day's news. Coming up, we're going to take you to California where one pooch, before referred to as Fido, found out the hard way about a backyard booby trap. Oh, poor thing.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Live pictures. This is Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany. President Bush arriving there to address the troops. When the president begins to speak, we will take those comments live.

SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, we want to tell you about a story that we find fascinating, and so do many Americans. It's something that's been known in Europe for quite some time, the Michelin Man. He's about to eat up the Big Apple. It's true. It's confusing, we know, so let's clear things up for you. It's the world most prestigious restaurant guide, and it's finally taking on New York's finest eating establishments, something that you read that will tell you what restaurants are good, what's not so good and what's downright horrible. The famed "Red Book" should be ready for the gourmands by November.

Eduard Michelin is the CEO of the Michelin group, and he's joining us now from the Time-Warner headquarters in New York with a nice big smile for us.

He's Mr. Michelin.

EDUARD MICHELIN, CEO, THE MICHELIN GROUP: Hello.

SANCHEZ: And as we understand it, Eduard, you have been wanting to do this for 20 years now. Why now? And why are you so excited about it?

MICHELIN: I must tell you about the history of the guide to make sure you really understands what it means to us. When my great grandfather founded the company 100 years ago, he was convinced that travel would develop very much, and we needed to help the travelers, that's how (INAUDIBLE) we started in maps and guides. But so far, in the last 100 years, we grew our presence and guides only in Europe. And we feel that today it's absolutely immersed, to expand globally as a company, has expanded. And New York is a natural gate where we need to be and bring value in our selection of hotels and restaurants.

SANCHEZ: Most Americans choose a restaurant because their neighbor or a family member told them it's really good, and they get used to going there.

MICHELIN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: But we understand that because of you, and your system, people in Europe really, really decide where they're going to eat based on what you tell them. What has made your rating system so phenomenal, so different from anything we here in the states have ever seen?

MICHELIN: Yes, and I think many American travelers in Europe are using our guide already. What we do and the very unique way that we have professional inspectors, that our Michelin employees will go to the restaurants and behave anonymously like a normal consumer, and afterwards with very precise criteria, they make their evaluation. So it's not a directory or compilation of critic opinions, but it's really a very scientific matter that we apply.

SANCHEZ: It's amazing, and we're told you're just going to have so many people who have already been rating. It's comes out soon.

As a matter of fact, we're going to interrupt the conversation, because we understand the president is about to speak. Hopefully we'll be able to catch up with you in a little bit.

Once again, Mr. Michelin, Eduard Michelin, beginning that new process of rating system in New York.

KAGAN: And now we move on to Mr. Bush at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany. Let's listen in.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you very much. Thank you for the warm welcome. Laura and I were in the neighborhood...

(LAUGHTER)

... and thought we'd just stop by to say hello. Howdy. It's an honor to be here with so many outstanding soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines from this base and others in Germany. Laura and I are proud to be with you. I'm glad to be with the men and women of the 3rd Support Command and the 421st Medical Evacuation Battalion.

(APPLAUSE)

I see a lot of big red ones here in the crowd.

(APPLAUSE)

I know you're just back from Iraq. I'm pleased to say: Job well done.

(APPLAUSE)

It's good to be at proud home of the 1st Armored Division.

(APPLAUSE)

Some of you Iron Soldiers might have seen me before. I was the guy serving turkey.

I arrived this morning from Brussels, where I was meeting with some of our vital allies in the war on terror.

BUSH: I came to Wiesbaden to meet the men and women fighting on the front lines of that war.

You're carrying out challenging duties with skill and honor. Today, I bring you a message from back home: The American people are grateful to you. Your communities are proud of you. And as you defend the cause of freedom, America stands with you.

(APPLAUSE)

I also want to thank all the military families who are here today.

(APPLAUSE)

They tell me the quality of life here is really good. But it's a long way away from home, and it can be lonely when your loved ones are deployed on dangerous missions in distant lands. I know that.

You have built a strong, close-knit community here. You support all those who wear the uniform and you support each other through difficult times.

The service and sacrifice of America's military families is vital to our success in the war on terror, and your president is here to tell you I'm proud of our military families as well.

(APPLAUSE)

I appreciate Major General Marty Dempsey's introduction, and his wife, Jeannie (ph). Appreciate their leadership today.

We've got General Jim Jones, NATO supreme allied commander Europe, and his wife, Diane (ph), with us.

I'm traveling in some pretty good company. I like to be around strong women.

(APPLAUSE)

I want your men listening to your wives just like I listen to mine.

(APPLAUSE)

Laura's a fabulous first lady for our country.

BUSH: I'm proud of her.

(APPLAUSE)

The nation's got a great secretary of state in Condoleezza Rice.

(APPLAUSE)

I appreciate Ambassador Dan Coats and wife, Marsha. Dan has been our ambassador from the United States to Germany, and both have done a spectacular job on behalf of our nation.

(APPLAUSE) I want to thank Diana DeGarmo for helping to entertain you.

(APPLAUSE)

I don't know if you know this, Laura and I were raised in West Texas...

(APPLAUSE)

... and three boys were raised right down the street from us there in West Texas, and those were the Gatlin Boys. And I'm proud they're here.

(APPLAUSE)

Thanks for coming.

1st Armored and 1st Infantry Divisions are two of the oldest and proudest units in the United States Army.

Your predecessors fought the great battles of World War II, stood vigil through the decades of the Cold War, and served with distinction in Vietnam and Bosnia and Kosovo.

And on this day 14 years ago, soldiers in both your divisions spent their final night in Saudi Arabia before charging into Iraq to crush the army of Saddam Hussein.

On September 11th, 2001, history brought new responsibilities to our nation, new challenges.

That morning, America witnessed the violence and grief that terrorists can inflict. We had a glimpse of the greater destruction the terrorists intend.

On behalf of our nation, I made a pledge: We'll bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies.

BUSH: And you are the ones who are carrying out this vital mission.

Every one of you is a volunteer. You stepped forward to accept the hardest duties in this new war. And over the past three years, you've added to the great achievements of your divisions.

You're a part of the history of freedom and peace.

You know that terrorists will not be stopped by negotiations or concessions or appeals to reason. Terrorists must be confronted and they must be defeated.

In this war, there's only one option for victory: We must take the fight to the enemy.

(APPLAUSE) At this hour, brave Americans in uniform are protecting our country and others by hunting down the terrorists around the world one by one.

Since September 11th, more than three-quarters of Al Qaida's known key members and associates have been brought to justice. The rest of them are on the run. And the world's greatest fighting force is on their trail.

(APPLAUSE)

The day our nation was attacked, I made it clear that regimes that support terror would be considered equally guilty of terrorist murder. A few weeks later, the Taliban found out what we meant.

With good allies at our side, America's military liberated the people of Afghanistan from one of the most brutal regimes on Earth, destroyed the training camps where the attacks of September 11th were conceived.

We showed the terrorists there's no cave deep enough to hide from American justice.

Today, Afghanistan is a free country and an ally in the war on terror.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: After long years of oppression, women are participating in that society.

(APPLAUSE)

Boys and girls are going to school. The Afghan army and police are securing their country.

And last October, more than 8 million Afghan citizens cast their votes in the first free presidential election in Afghanistan's 5,000- year history.

(APPLAUSE)

As our men and women in uniform helped to transform Afghanistan, we also confronted a growing danger in Iraq.

One of the key lessons of September 11th is that we must confront threats before they fully materialize.

In Iraq, we found a threat to the entire world. Saddam Hussein supported terrorists, he pursued deadly weapons, he defied the just demands of the international community year after year, resolution after resolution.

The world gave him a final chance to disarm and when he refused to comply, he met the might and the resolve of the United States military. (APPLAUSE)

At a decisive moment in the history of freedom, America once again turned to the 1st Armored Division, and once again, the Iron Soldiers answered the call.

You moved into Iraq in April of 2003, and you stayed for 15 months. You waged an innovative, disciplined campaign, and because of your skill and sacrifice, Iraq is sovereign and Iraq is free.

(APPLAUSE)

Before the Iron Soldiers left for Iraq, secret police held the population in fear.

BUSH: And by the time you came home, you had trained thousands of Iraqi security forces who are now on the job defending their free country.

Before our soldiers left for Iraq, a terrible regime had decimated the country's education and health care systems. By the time you came home, you had repaired hundreds of schools and hospitals.

When our soldiers left for Iraq, Saddam Hussein was sitting in a palace. And by the time you came home, he was sitting in a prison cell.

(APPLAUSE)

You served with honor and distinction, and a little longer than some of you expected.

(LAUGHTER)

Some were boarding the plane home to return to your families when you got word that we'd extended your tour. I know that was a trying time. But no change in plans could shake your resolve. As a sergeant I met last year put it, "We're soldiers and we drive on."

(APPLAUSE)

In your final months in Iraq, you drove on to seven major cities, defeated Sadr's militias decisively. You restored control of Iraq's holy sites to peaceful citizens.

With your victories in Najaf and Karbala, you helped the Iraqi people take critical steps toward freedom. And you proved to a watching world that the United States of America will never retreat before bands of thugs and assassins.

(APPLAUSE)

The Iron Soldiers built the foundation for democracy in Iraq. And to help finish the job we turned to the Big Red 1.

(APPLAUSE)

From Kirkuk to Samarra to Tikrit, the soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division worked around the clock to prepare Iraq for free elections. Your challenges were unprecedented. And so was the outcome. More than 8 million Iraqi voters defied the terrorists by lining up at the polls, dipping their fingers in ink and casting the first free vote of their lives.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Their courage was noteworthy and inspiring. One voter came to the polls in a wheelchair, pushed by her grandson. She said, "I am here to cast my vote. Saddam killed six members of my family. This is the best revenge."

(APPLAUSE)

The Iraqi people have now taken rightful control of their destiny, and that would not have been possible without the 1st Infantry Division. By helping the people of that country turn back the enemies of democracy, you have acted in the great liberating tradition of our nation. And like generations of soldiers before you, you have shown that America's military is one of the world's greatest forces for good.

Together, the 1st Infantry Division and the 1st Armored Division have helped bring freedom and hope to a suffering people.

(APPLAUSE)

These units have a few other things in common. They both count on the fearless soldiers of the DUSTOFF Europe battalion for medical care on the battlefield. They both rely on the 3rd Support Command to deliver just about everything else they need.

BUSH: In a year of service in Iraq, the 3rd Support Command delivered more than 185 million gallons of fuel, issued more than 50 million meals and logged more than 25 million miles on the road. That's the equivalent of more than 1,000 trips around the world.

The 3rd Support Command carried out these duties on tight deadlines and often under enemy fire.

Your courage is appreciated by every soldier at this base, every soldier in the theater. And I thank you for keeping the force for the fight.

(APPLAUSE)

In this war on terror, all of you have taken great risks on my orders. And your service reflects the best qualities of America.

You have been brave in the face of danger, unshakeable in the times of testing and generous to those in need.

Some of your units have survived terrible injuries, and a grateful America will do everything we can to help them recover.

Some of you have said farewell to some fine Americans. They represent a new generation of heroes as great as any who have come before. Their example of unselfish courage inspires all who serve, and America will honor their names forever.

(APPLAUSE)

The sacrifices you have made will change the world for decades to come.

By fighting terrorists in places like Baghdad and Karbala and Tikrit, you are making sure we do not face those enemies at home.

By helping captive peoples gain their freedom, you have made a critical contribution to the history of liberty.

And that means the world will be more peaceful and our children and grandchildren will be more secure.

Your success is sending a clear message throughout the Middle East: that the only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror and replace hatred with hope is the force of human freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

You are serving in a critical period in freedom's history, and there'll be more difficult work ahead.

BUSH: Yet I'm optimistic about our future, because I know the character of freedom's defenders. I know the history of those who have defended our freedom.

Fifty years ago this summer, the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on West Berlin. Keeping free Berlin alive seemed like an impossible task, yet America and our allies refused to give in.

From this airfield, American pilots launched dangerous missions to supply Berlin. And they continued those flights at great risk for 11 months.

The heroes of the Berlin Airlift saved that city. And with their early resolve, they helped freedom triumph in the Cold War.

Today, America is again called to defend freedom. And once again, our military is answering the call.

I have hope for our country, and faith in our cause, and great confidence in the men and women who wear our nation's uniform.

(APPLAUSE)

With your courage, with your determination and with your skill, the cause of freedom will prevail. And we'll achieve the peace that we all want for future generations to come.

Thank you for letting us come by. Thank you for serving our great land.

May God bless you. May God bless America.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: We've been watching and listening in to President Bush as he addresses the troops at Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany, part of his five-day European tour. President Bush talking and encouraging soldiers to take the fight to the enemy.

Must more on President Bush's trip and his speech to the troops ahead. Also, a lot of other news happening today. And we will get to that after a break.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com