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CNN Saturday Morning News

North Korean Nuclear Test or Ruse?; Bush, Baltic Leaders Show Unity; Atlanta Trial Murder Cold-Cases Reopened; A Look Back at World War II on 60th Anniversary

Aired May 07, 2005 - 07:00   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: It's the first leg of President Bush's five day, four country trip through Europe to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2.
From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

Good morning, everybody.

It is May 7.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.

NGUYEN: Good morning.

HARRIS: Good morning.

I'm Tony Harris.

It is 7:00 a.m. in the East, 4:00 a.m. in the West.

Thank you for being with us.

Let's get you started with the day's top stories.

President Bush is on a trip through Europe that will test his skills of diplomacy. He is celebrating the end of World War 2, but doing it partly in Baltic states still stinging from Soviet occupation. He is in Latvia today. In about 30 minutes he'll have a news conference. Stay close. We will, of course, bring it to you live.

A car rigged with explosives blew up in a busy intersection in Baghdad four hours ago, killing at least 17 people, including four Westerners. The blast targeted a convoy of SUVs. Several other cars were involved in the fires that sent a huge black plume of smoke through central Baghdad.

In Georgia, police are reopening the investigations into the killings of four young boys more than two decades ago. A special cold case squad will look at the murders in 1982. Wayne Williams was found guilty of killing two men and police then attributed as many as 27 other murders of boys and young men to Williams. The mother and stepfather of a girl known for years only as "Precious Doe" have agreed to be extradited from Oklahoma to face murder churches. The girl's remains were found in Kansas City in 2001. Police say the two killed Erica Michelle Marie Green after she refused to go to bed just days before her fourth birthday.

NGUYEN: Here's what we are working on for you as you start the weekend today.

President Bush is celebrating the end of World War 2 as he treads with careful diplomacy across a very different Europe.

A Georgia school rethinks the suspension of a student after he talked to his mom, who is serving in Iraq, on a cell phone during school hours.

And it's a run for the roses. We are going "Beyond The Game," or, let's say, beyond the gate, today for a look at Kentucky Derby dollars.

HARRIS: As we mentioned, President Bush is in Latvia this morning on a European tour that pauses at the crossroads of history and gives pause to those who actually lived it.

First, the ceremonial. A few hours ago, Latvia awarded Mr. Bush its highest medal. There he is wading into terse -- a very terse dispute between Russia and some of its former Soviet republics. Officially, the president will focus on the 60th anniversary of the Nazi defeat. Unofficially, the trip will be laden with the symbolism and bitterness of the cold war that followed.

While in Latvia, Mr. Bush will stir more Russian anger by laying a wreath at a monument symbolizing independence from communism. Tomorrow in the Netherlands, he returns his focus to World War 2. He'll visit an American cemetery and attend a V-E Day ceremony with the first lady. On Monday, President Bush gathers with other leaders in Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebration. From Moscow, he moves on to Georgia. It will be his first visit to Georgia and the Netherlands.

Mr. Bush will hold a news conference in just about 20 minutes from now and CNN will carry it live. That's due to begin at 7:25 Eastern, 4:25 Pacific, here on CNN.

NGUYEN: All right, to fully understand today's tensions about the president's trip, you may have to go back some

60 years, when the Allied victory in Europe sowed the seeds of freedom's next great threat.

CNN national correspondent Bob Franken has this report from Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was an end, it was a beginning.

PRES. HARRY TRUMAN: The flags of freedom fly all over Europe.

FRANKEN: President Truman's announcement celebrated the end of a war that ravaged Europe and took millions of lives. It was also the beginning of unprecedented prosperity in the United States.

BOB DOLE, FORMER SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: We were 18, 19, 20 years of age and now we're, you know, we're lucky to be alive and to see what happened over the past 50, 60 years.

FRANKEN: Bob Dole missed the V-E Day celebration. He was in a body cast. His recovery from devastating war injuries to become a national leader is legend. He was helped along by a new law, the G.I. Bill.

DOLE: We had a chance, an opportunity that many of us wouldn't have had, to get a college education. And I think that's the most important piece of legislation in that area. It changed America. I think it helped change the world.

FRANKEN (on camera): It's only been about a year since the nation opened this World War 2 memorial after an effort led by Bob Dole. It marks, perhaps, the pinnacle of U.S. success. Now, those who lived through those times can reflect on the succeeding generations and what they've done with their country.

(voice-over): After the World War, a cold war. The planet was divided into two camps, basically, communists and non-communists. Many years later, the Soviet system collapsed under its own weight, even as the United States suffered through its own strains -- the Vietnam War, the civil rights struggles.

Now, there are new battles to fight, taken up now by the new generation. President Bush now in Europe to celebrate the 60th anniversary of V-E Day.

DOLE: I think we have now passed the torch to this generation.

FRANKEN: Of the 16 million who served in World War 2, fewer than five million are left. Nearly all of them proud of their legacy.

Bob Franken, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

NGUYEN: Now, to the nuclear tensions simmering on the Korean Peninsula.

China has reportedly rebuffed Washington's proposal to cut off oil to North Korea in an attempt to force its return to disarmament talks. The "Washington Post" cites unnamed U.S. officials in its report. The issue of North Korea's disarmament has taken on added urgency amid growing signs that it may be preparing for a nuclear weapons test.

The United Nations nuclear chief shares his concerns on CNN's "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOHAMED ELBARADEI, IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL: I'm afraid that this will throw back the whole North Korea file into, again, yet another worse situation than what we had in the last few years. It is getting from bad to worse, Wolf. And that the earlier we intervene to engage the North Koreans, the earlier we try to find a comprehensive solution, the better for everybody.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: You can see that full interview tomorrow at 12:00 Eastern, 9:00 Pacific, right here on CNN.

Well, as the West watches developments in the Baltics, North Korea and elsewhere, we want to hear from you this morning. What is the greatest threat now facing democracy? What do you think? E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

HARRIS: Back in the United States and back in time, police have reopened their investigation into the Atlanta child murders that riveted the nation a quarter century ago. Then, police said more than two dozen murders were linked. But one lawman is haunted by lingering doubts.

Reporter Paul Yates of CNN affiliate WAGA looks into the investigations.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

PAUL YATES, WAGA CORRESPONDENT: What's your view of the likelihood that something dramatically new can be determined at this date?

ROBBIE HAMRICK, FORSYTHE COUNTY CHIEF DEPUTY: I don't think that -- I don't see how it can be.

YATES (voice-over): Robbie Hamrick coordinated the investigation of Atlanta's missing and murdered children. He was a GBI inspector then and later the agency's director. Today, he is chief Forsyth County sheriff's deputy.

HAMRICK: I know of nothing that has changed over the years from the time, from the original indictment and conviction.

YATES: But for others, doubts have persisted about Wayne Williams' guilt, none more so than Louis Graham, another law enforcement veteran who is now DeKalb County police chief. He is reopening four of the DeKalb cases on the notorious list of murders.

LOUIS GRAHAM, DEKALB COUNTY POLICE CHIEF: Well, right now, as we speak, they are trying to locate the families or relatives of these victims so that I can bring them in and talk to them about what we are trying to do. YATES: The four DeKalb cases -- Patrick Baltazar, killed at age 11; Curtis Walker, 13 years old; Joseph Bell, 15; and William Barrett, age 17.

Wayne Williams was convicted of two other murders, but investigators said carpet fibers taken from his family home and cars linked Williams to additional cases.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: And that was reporter Paul Yates of CNN Atlanta affiliate WAGA.

NGUYEN: In case you didn't get your fill of headlines this week, let's "Rewind" through some of the big stories of the past few days.

On Wednesday, a military judge threw out the plea agreement of Army Private Lynndie England. She was seen in some of the most notorious pictures from the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal. Her supervisor, Charles Graner, testified that he ordered her to pose with the prisoners. The judge says Graner's testimony contradicts England's guilty plea.

On Thursday, two makeshift grenades exploded outside the building that houses the British consulate in New York City. The devices were placed inside a concrete planter next to the building. The explosions caused a chunk of concrete to shatter some windows.

Also on Thursday, police made two arrests after identifying the girl known as "Precious Doe" as Erica Michelle Marie Green. Her body and head were found separately just days apart in some Kansas City woods back in 2001. Oklahoma police arrested the girl's mother and stepfather in her death. Michelle and Harold Johnson have waived extradition and will return to Kansas.

Tomorrow, we will "Fast Forward" to the week ahead and tell you which stories will grab the spotlight.

HARRIS: As we told you, we'll go live to Europe in just a few moments for the president's news conference.

Plus, an emotional phone call from Iraq has one student sitting at home rather than in class.

NGUYEN: And how this pilot of this commuter jet put passengers in peril. We'll take a look at that.

But look who's awake this morning.

HARRIS: Oh.

NGUYEN: Where is he? Show him. There he is.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hey, hi.

NGUYEN: Rob Marciano -- good morning, Rob. MARCIANO: Hi, Betty.

Hey, Tony.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Could the tide be changing in the Michael Jackson molestation trial? Well, two men who stayed with Jackson as children say there was never any sexual contact, contradicting claims by the prosecution. "Legal Briefs" live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And here are some other stories making headlines across America this morning.

Some anxious moments in Las Vegas and some dramatic footage here. A passenger was forced to land a small private plane after the pilot suffered an apparent heart attack. The pilot later died. The other two passengers on the plane are OK.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JERRY KARAPICH, PASSENGER WHO LANDED THE PLANE: When I made the first pass at the airport was around when I was really frightened most, because I just didn't think I could get the plane down. And like I said, with Bob in the back, he was doing the work on the trim and doing the work on the dropping the landing gear and the flaps.

I think the third time when I went around I knew that I had to get the plane down and I think I knew I could do it at that time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Man.

A Columbus, Georgia school district has reduced the suspension of a student who refused to end a cell phone call from his mom in Iraq. Kevin Francois had initially been given a 10-day suspension for disorderly conduct. That's now been reduced to three days. School officials say he became defiant and used profanity when a teacher asked him to hand over the phone.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEVIN FRANCOIS, SUSPENDED STUDENT: I was just talking to them and they weren't listening to me about talking to my mom. And they just, they wouldn't listen.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The suspension, really, was incidental to the telephone. It was the behavior of the student, using profanity, screaming at the teacher.

FRANCOIS: I didn't curse at him. I just want to be done with it. I mean, they got me back in school or whatever, and I'm happy about that. And that's all I want to do is just go back to school.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Well, school officials say the student never told them he was talking with his mom, who's stationed in Iraq. They say the school often makes arrangements from students to receive calls from parents who are deployed overseas.

NGUYEN: And in sports this morning, the Washington Wizards are heading into the second round of the NBA playoffs. The Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls 94-91, to win their first play-off series since 1982. The Wizards now advance to play Miami in the Eastern Conference semifinals. That starts Sunday.

And today, the Indiana Pacers will play the Boston Celtics. Plus those Houston Rockets will take on my Dallas Mavericks.

HARRIS: Oh, lord.

NGUYEN: I had to put that in, right, Tony?

Both series are tied at three games apiece, with the losers, of course, going home.

And just a reminder -- the president is scheduled to hold a news conference from the first stop on his European trip in just a few minutes. There's a look at the place right now. We will bring it to you live when it happens.

HARRIS: And Rob Marciano is here now with weather for Latvia.

NGUYEN: Yes.

MARCIANO: Yes, yes.

NGUYEN: What is it like in Latvia?

MARCIANO: Where is that? Come on, give me, you know, I thought we -- I would talk more about the Kentucky Derby.

HARRIS: Yes.

(CROSSTALK)

MARCIANO: Let's talk about what's important on this Saturday.

(CROSSTALK)

MARCIANO: Discussing what exactly is in a mint julep early, before the show.

HARRIS: Right, right.

MARCIANO: Did we figure that out?

NGUYEN: I know what that is. Is it a drink? HARRIS: Yes.

MARCIANO: Oh, listen to her playing stupid.

NGUYEN: That's what I heard. Somebody told me that's what it was.

MARCIANO: All right, there we go. Well, you guys can debate about that. You've got about 60 seconds to work on it.

NGUYEN: OK.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Let's talk more about more important items on the political agenda today. Place your bets. They're running for the roses today. It looks pretty good. Most of the rain should be north of town. Party cloudy conditions at Churchill Downs with a temperature reading at post time of around 75 degrees.

NGUYEN: Ooh, that's perfect.

MARCIANO: That's perfect mint julep sipping weather.

HARRIS: Two cups of granulated sugar, two cup[s of water, fresh mint, crushed ice and ah, here we go. You ready?

MARCIANO: Ready.

NGUYEN: The good stuff? What is that?

MARCIANO: It's (INAUDIBLE)...

HARRIS: Oh, yes. As much Kentucky bourbon as you can take.

MARCIANO: Oh, yes. Of course.

HARRIS: But perfect.

MARCIANO: In drier country you've got to have a little bourbon.

HARRIS: There you go.

NGUYEN: And then place your bets after you've had a few of those.

MARCIANO: Oh...

HARRIS: Oh!

NGUYEN: You might do better that way.

MARCIANO: Five dollars is my max.

HARRIS: There you go.

NGUYEN: Five bucks?

MARCIANO: Yes.

Hey, Boat and Beach Report and the Allergy Forecast, stay tuned for that. That's coming up later in the show.

NGUYEN: What's the smile about? Is it off the charts?

MARCIANO: Well, it's just, no. We just have all sorts of information for you.

NGUYEN: OK.

HARRIS: Because Rob's paying the bills this morning.

NGUYEN: Yes, exactly.

HARRIS: That's what it is.

Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: Thank you, Rob.

Well, it is one of the biggest parties of the year. A who's who of celebrities will pack into Churchill Downs this afternoon for those mint juleps for the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby.

HARRIS: And look who is there looking for a free ticket. Sure. Sure. Cinch up that tie, my friend.

CNN sports analyst Rick Horrow joins us live as we take you "Beyond The Game" right here next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS (voice-over): When the heralded thoroughbred Smarty Jones made that incredible run at the Triple Crown last year, it helped bring millions of new race fans to the sport of horse racing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "SEA BISCUIT," COURTESY UNIVERSAL PICTURES)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Watch it, babe. Watch it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Equal credit is given to the blockbuster movie "Seabiscuit." In fact, last year the Kentucky Derby gambling record was trampled in the back stretch -- $99 million wagered legally on the fastest three minutes in sports. And for the year, $15 billion was spent betting at the tracks. The Baltics of horse racing this morning as we take you "Beyond The Game."

(END VIDEO TAPE) HARRIS: And this afternoon it is the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby at Louisville's Churchill Downs.

Joining us live from track side is the author of "When the Game Is On the Line" and CNN sports analyst Rick Horrow -- Rick, good to see you, my friend.

Are you laying off of the mint juleps, I hope?

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: I am. I absolutely am. Although it cost me $25 to get into this parking lot to be here. I think you're probably worth it, all told, though.

HARRIS: Well, I'll tell you what, there is money being made all over the place on this race today. And, all right, let's face it, the Derby is one of those special events. You're going to have 60 million viewers tuning in.

What is the big draw? Because for a lot of folks, they don't pay much attention to horse racing throughout the year. Is it the gambling aspect of the horse racing industry?

HORROW: Hey, Tony, it's the obvious answer. The big draw is gambling.

HARRIS: Yes.

HORROW: Money, money and more money. You said, $100 million bet on this, but 25 years ago, by the way, the Derby, $5 million. So we've grown up as a country. I don't know if it's the right way. A $15 billion industry, for example, gambling money. And who knows how much of that's not reported, for example? Simulcasting, slot machines in the industry now in Aqueduct, in Yonkers, Lauderdale. So all those new revenue sources.

But the other piece of this, this is entertainment. Behind us, a $121 million renovation, Churchill Downs. And the impact for this weekend is about $250 million, which is like a Super Bowl.

But here's the big winner -- two legs or four legs? Smarty Jones, last year, $25 million breeding rights fee and $75,000 to $150,000 a coupling for him. That's good work if you can get it.

HARRIS: Wow!

All right, you know, we're sort of -- I've got to ask you something. You have a pick in this race? I know you do. Who are you looking forward to run away with the roses today?

HORROW: Oh, it's a big deal. It's Bellamy Road. And here's why. You know, George Steinbrenner is sitting in the box. His two-legged assets, they're not doing very well.

HARRIS: Right.

HORROW: So you've got to hope that his four-legged asset does pretty well. Remember, he owns the Yankees. He also owns Bellamy Road.

HARRIS: How about my pick? Are you ready for my pick?

HORROW: I'm ready for your pick.

HARRIS: All right. All right. My pick today is Bandini. And the reason why I am picking Bandini is because this is a horse who I understand has a kind of a bit of a mean streak, who is willing to take a little bit of a nip out of you if the race isn't going his way.

HORROW: Well, here's a...

HARRIS: What do you think of this horse?

HORROW: Here's the thing, Tony, and this is a big deal. You know, 40 million people come to races every year and only about 10 million are avid fans. Now that they hear that Tony Harris has picked Bandini...

HARRIS: Oh, lord.

HORROW: ... the guy that picked the Atlanta Falcons to win the Super Bowl...

HARRIS: Oh, no. Here we go.

HORROW: ... you're going to have more and more people actually tuning in. So we probably increased ratings, at CNN, at least, by 10, 12 points.

HARRIS: Right.

Rick, thank you for the time this morning.

Enjoy the race.

We're kind of rushing a bit because we've got a presidential news conference in Latvia.

But good to see you.

HORROW: Two minutes, four seconds is the total time of the race, by the way. And look at all the excitement here.

HARRIS: That's it. That's it.

All right, Rick, appreciate it.

Thank you.

HORROW: Thanks, again.

HARRIS: See you next week.

NGUYEN: If Rick's there, it's a party.

We'll be talking about that a little bit later today, as well.

But right now we are standing by to take you live to Latvia at any moment. That is where President Bush is about to hold a news conference to discuss his historic trip through Europe to celebrate the anniversary of the end of World War 2.

HARRIS: Plus, nuclear technology in North Korea is causing increased international tension. The story right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And welcome back, everyone, to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

Here's a quick look at what's happening right now in the news.

We are awaiting the start of a news conference with President Bush and the leaders of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. This is a live picture of where that will take place. And when it does, we'll bring it to you live as it happens.

In the meantime, Mr. Bush is on a five day trip to Eastern Europe and Russia to mark the 60th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat. It is one of the most diplomatically challenging trips of the Bush presidency. Russia has complained that the president's visit to the Baltics is meddling in its affairs.

Now to Baghdad. The death toll from this morning's suicide car bombing has risen to 17, including four Westerners. More than 30 bystanders were also hurt, most of them Iraqi civilians. The apparent target was a convoy of SUVs typically used by private contractors.

And here in Atlanta, an infamous serial killer is getting another look. Police in DeKalb County will reopen a handful of cases attributed to Wayne Williams. He was convicted in 1982 of two murders, but was blamed for up to 29 killings from 1979 to 1981. Most of the victims were African-American boys.

HARRIS: The international community is intently focused right now on North Korea, where there are disturbing signs of a nuclear test that could be in the works.

CNN's Kitty Pilgrim has a closer look at the cryptic factors that make up the North Korean nuclear equation.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

KITTY PILGRIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The U.S. State Department reacting to headlines that say North Korea may be preparing to test a nuclear weapon.

TOM CASEY, STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: This is something that we're following very closely. Obviously, we look at both words and deeds when it comes to the North Koreans.

PILGRIM: In terms of words, six-party diplomatic talks involving North and South Korea, Russia, China and Japan, have repeatedly failed. Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of U.N. nuclear watchdog agency IAEA, emphasized the situation may be increasingly dangerous.

MOHAMED ELBARADEI, IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL: I would hope that every country right now, that every leader is on the phone with Kim Jong Il, trying to convince him to restrain from going ahead with this reported nuclear testing.

PILGRIM: But the issue is not clear whether the reported activity in North Korea are steps to test a nuclear device or just an elaborate rouse to ratchet up the pressure on the United States. Last weekend, North Korea tested a missile over the Sea of Japan on the eve of U.N. talks on nuclear disarmament, a gesture that suggests diplomatic manipulation.

Recently, experts observed that the steam which usually comes from the tower of the Pyongyang nuclear site in North Korea has stopped. It could signal that North Korea is unloading nuclear material from the site to manufacture new nuclear bombs. Most experts agree North Korea is estimated to possess some six to eight nuclear bombs.

DAVID ALBRIGHT, INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE & INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: They probably can put a crude nuclear weapon on one of their shorter- range missiles. Perhaps it could reach Japan. I don't believe that they could put a warhead on a missile that could reach the continental United States.

PILGRIM: Many experts think if North Korea does test, it's going to be a tremendous strain on the international community because that action requires immediate response.

Kitty Pilgrim, CNN.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: As the West watches developments in North Korea, the Baltics and elsewhere, we want to hear from you. What is the greatest threat now facing democracy. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

And time now to check out some of the other stories making news around the world.

NGUYEN: Reports coming in this morning on Iraq's new cabinet.

And for those details plus some of the other big international news, let's check in now with Anand Naidoo at the CNN international Desk -- good morning.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, a very good morning to you.

That's right, we have some information on the new Iraqi cabinet. We're getting reports that the government in Baghdad may announce some of the remaining posts that remain in that cabinet. And that announcement may come some time this weekend. Other ministers were sworn in earlier this week. Appointments to several important ministries have been delayed for weeks as the parties wrangled over who would be acceptable.

There has been serious disagreements over the post of defense minister and who would take that post. Several Sunni candidates were rejected some Shiites, who felt that those candidates were too close to the former regime of Saddam Hussein.

Now on to another cabinet, this one in London. Fresh from his election victory, British Prime Minister Tony Blair unveils his team. He has kept most of the familiar faces in his cabinet, but changed leadership in defense and health. The finance minister, Gordon Brown, thought to be a possible successor to Blair, keeps his post. So does the foreign secretary, Jack Straw. Blair's Labor Party, of course, won the election, but with a sharply reduced majority.

Now on to the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region. The first U.N. flight taking food into the war zone has landed in the Darfur state capital of Nyala. The World Food Program is trying to reach nearly two million people in the region. Officials say the food lift is vital during the coming rainy season, when the roads become impassable.

Darfur is the scene of one of the world's worst humanitarian tragedies. It's left hundreds of thousands of people dead.

That's all from me for now.

More later.

Back to Betty and Tony.

NGUYEN: Thank you, Annan.

HARRIS: Annan, thank you.

And we're going to take you now to Riga, Latvia.

We've been telling you all morning that we've been anticipating this news conference between President Bush and Latvia's president.

Let's take you there now.

PRES. VAIRA VIKE-FREIBERGA, LATVIA: ... transatlantic relationships and also on the relationship between these two institutions of which Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have become members since the past year, the relationship between NATO and the European Union.

We are honored and pleased to have this opportunity to have a great leader from a great and powerful country come to our region to show interest in what happens here and to have this open and very frank debate with the three Baltic presidents. With this, I pass the floor to the president of Lithuania, President Valdas Adamkus.

VALDAS ADAMKUS, LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT: Should I speak in English or Lithuanian?

VIKE-FREIBERGA: I think in English.

ADAMKUS: In English.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, this was an extremely good meeting and at a very good time. We are welcoming the president of the United States here. As I said, welcome back to the shores of the Baltic Sea.

And during the discussions, we really touched on vital issues, the relationship between the United States and the European continent as in a whole. We touched on the issues concerning that directly the relationship between the Baltic states and, of course, on the global issues. On the part of Lithuania, I have reassured the president that we are a staunch allies in the fight against terrorism. We will be standing shoulder to shoulder on general global issues concerning the humanity and especially in the event when we are celebrating, I mean the end of the World War 2 against the victory, the victory against Nazism and at the same time standing for the principles which are dear to the rest of the world community, principles of democracy, protection of the human rights, principles of the free expression.

And there was a total agreement and I can reassure the president of the United States that we will be standing and defending the right of the people, even those neighbors who are still, for them the democracy is a dream. And by standing and speaking freely and I would say introducing some kind of a dose of oxygen into the resistance and opposition, which is striving for those same rights we are enjoying, we will definitely will depend and make a better world looking into the future. And I am grateful to the president.

But his presence here in the Baltic states is the inspiration and strength for all of us to continue our commitments.

Thank you, Mr. President.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: President Ruutel?

(AMOLD RUUTEL, ESTONIAN PRESIDENT SPEAKING IN ESTONIAN)

NGUYEN: You've been listening to a press conference there in Latvia with President Bush and the three Baltic presidents. Of course, this that you've been seeing and listening to, although we can't understand what he's saying, there's the Estonian prime minister. We're trying to get a translation of that and when that happens, we will bring that to you live.

HARRIS: We're going to take a break and come back with more of CNN SATURDAY MORNING right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Here's another live look at Riga, Latvia this morning, where President Bush has met with the three Baltic presidents there.

This is a live news conference.

You're seeing the Estonian prime minister speak right now.

Of course, we're trying to get a translation of that.

There is President Bush. He will be speaking shortly. And when he does, we will be bringing that to you just as soon as possible.

But in the meantime, we want to check some of the other top stories in the news this morning.

President Bush, as we just mentioned, in Latvia this morning to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe. He is meeting today with the leaders from three Baltic states, a move that's igniting the nations' still simmering anger toward Russia.

Also, four Westerners are among the casualties after a car bomb exploded in central Baghdad. At least 17 people were killed. More than 30 are wounded. The U.S. military says the four Westerners worked for a U.S. contractor, but it is not clear if they are Americans.

And Atlanta police are reopening at least four deaths that had been attributed to convicted killer Wayne Williams. Williams is suspected of killing up to 29 men and boys in Atlanta in the 1970s and '80s, but has been convicted of only two murders.

In just a few minutes, your answers to our E-mail Question of the Day. Here it is. Here's the question. What's the greatest threat to democracy?

Right now, though, we want to take you back to Latvia and President Bush, who is speaking.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... Latvia's hospitality has been tremendous and we really thank you.

And it's such an honor to be standing here with the leaders of three close allies and friends, such incredibly important symbols of what freedom can mean to this neighborhood and countries in the world. And so we are proud to be here with you all, fellow members of NATO.

One objective of my trip is to honor the memories of those who sacrificed 60 years ago in the struggle against Nazism and fascism. Tomorrow I'll be in the cemetery in the Netherlands to pay tribute to a generation that was willing to sacrifice for freedom and peace. But I recognize that in the West the end of the Second World War meant peace, but in the Baltics it brought occupation and communist oppression.

And the American people will never forget the occupation and communist oppression of the people of the Baltics. We recognize your painful history.

I want to congratulate our friends and allies that stand here with me on the progress you've made in the past decade. You see, one of the important examples of these three countries is that not only have they become free societies, but they've learned to adapt to the conditions of a free society. It's not easy to go from communism to democracy and yet these three nations have shown the world how to do so. And we congratulate you on your good, hard work.

Your economies are flourishing. People are allowed to express their opinions. As a result, you've been readily accepted into NATO and now the E.U. And the world is better off because of the hard decisions your governments have made.

I also want to thank you for your hard work in helping democracy spread in the neighborhood. We had a really good discussion today about Belarus. We talked about the Ukraine and government and Moldova. We talked about Russia and the relationship between the Baltics and Russia.

These three nations have also recognized that those of us who are free have a responsibility to help others be free outside of our neighborhoods and I want to thank you for your contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To this end, I discussed my request for the U.S. Solidarity Fund, my request to the Congress for the U.S. Solidarity Fund to help these nations who have deployed troops to be able to better afford those deployments. And we talked about bilateral relations, as well. As you can imagine, one topic that came up with all three leaders was visa policy. I talked about the way forward to make sure our visa policy works well with our friends and allies.

Part of the issue, of course, is that in the past we've looked to past history to determine future visa policy and now we've begun to change looking at the past. In other words, the overstays during occupation must be viewed differently now that the three countries have been freed. And we look forward to working with you on the way forward to reasonable and fair visa policy.

There are thousands of people in my country who have come from your countries. They send best regards.

And I say to you thank you for being such good friends and colleagues.

And thank you for your hospitality again, Madam President.

Now, if you'd like to do something (INAUDIBLE).

VIKE-FREIBERGA: Thank you for that statement, Mr. President.

We do have a limited time at our disposal and I understand that the framework is to be one question to each president.

So we start with a question to President Adamkus. BUSH: Or you can have four presidents to me, questions to me. (INAUDIBLE)...

VIKE-FREIBERGA: There's a question out there.

The microphone?

QUESTION: Yes. Vicandas Poechialsus (ph) from Lithuanian Television. Actually, I have a question to President Bush.

BUSH: Yes, I thought that might be the case.

QUESTION: Regarding what you've said recently, that democratic Belarus is also in Russia's interests. Now, can there be a deal between Washington and Moscow whereby Russia would make sure that President Lukashenka is not reelected next year and in return, Washington would encourage the -- or would hail the democracy there, but turn a blind eye on the continued Russian influence there? Or are you prepared to go all the way?

BUSH: No, that's an interesting question. Can you make a deal to determine somebody else's fate?

I think that's what we're lamenting here today, about what happened to the Baltics. You know, kind of one of those secret deals amongst large powers that consigns people to a way of government.

No, we don't make secret deals. The only deal that I think is a necessary deal for people is the deal of freedom. They should be allowed to express themselves in free and open and fair elections in Belarus. And that's -- and as to whether or not it's in Russia's interests that democracies be on her border, absolutely it's in Russia's interests that she have friends and have neighbors who are democracies.

We're used to that in America. We've got democracies on our border. And it's a blessing to have democracies on our border.

We don't always agree, by the way, with our friends on our borders. But we are able to settle disputes peacefully because we are democracies. And so I will continue to speak as clearly as I can to President Putin that it's in his country's interests that there be democracies on his borders.

I mean after all, look at the three nations here. These are peaceful, prosperous nations that are good neighbors with Russia and good neighbors with each other and good neighbors elsewhere, as well.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: A question from the Estonian side?

QUESTION: I have a question to Mr. President Bush, but I will ask it in the Estonian language.

(QUESTION IN ESTONIAN)

BUSH: All right. I need the English translation here. Start over.

(QUESTION IN ESTONIAN)

BUSH: Say that again.

I'm getting kind of old and I'm having trouble hearing.

(QUESTION IN ESTONIAN)

BUSH: The ranking how important the relationship is with Estonia?

QUESTION: Yes, exactly.

BUSH: Well, now that the president is standing here, very important. No, look, I don't think a president can rank. But a president can praise and I praise Estonia for being an open market economy that is a free society. And, therefore, if you're a free society that embraces market economies, you will rank very high with me and the United States.

The example of the Baltics is so vital for countries who are emerging from tyrannies and oppressive governments to free societies. It's really important. And that's why the active participation of the three leaders here in helping NGOs and civil societies develop in new democracies is vital, because who has got more credibility with leaders in new democracies than the three leaders here, who have had the experience of helping a democracy emerge?

And so you rank very high, as far as I'm concerned, as participants in the freedom movement, the ability to inspire by example and lend expertise because of the experience you've had.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: Thank you very much.

A question from the Latvian side?

QUESTION: My question goes to Mr. Bush and the other leaders, too, if they want to answer. And I will answer in Latvian.

(QUESTION ASKED IN LATVIAN)

BUSH: Yes, well, my position on that issue is very clear and has been clear, about the occupation. And the position of my country has been clear about the occupation ever since the occupation took place. We proudly flew the flags of independent nations above your embassies in Washington, D.C. and the statement was clear. We never recognized nor accepted the occupation that did take place.

I think this moment, in this moment in history will give everybody a chance to recognize what took place in the past and move on. And, look, I fully understand there's a lot of anger and frustration involved in the three Baltic countries about the occupation. I've expressed that to President Putin. But he didn't need me to tell him. He fully understands there's a lot of frustrations and anger about what took place.

My hope is that we're now able to move beyond that phase of history into a phase that is embracing democracy and free societies. These are extraordinary times that we're living in and three Baltic countries are capable of helping Russia and other countries in this part of the world see the benefits of what it means to live in a free society.

And so we have a great opportunity to move beyond the past.

Again, I repeat to you, I recognize the painful history and my hope is that, is that we're able to learn the lessons from that painful history, that tyranny is evil and people deserve to live in a free society.

As I'm going to say in my speech a little later on here, I'm going to say never again should we allow Jews and gypsies to be exterminated and the world not pay close attention to it. Never again should we let -- shall we tolerate tyranny and subjugating people to incredible death. We have an obligation as free societies never to forget that history and to do something about the possibility of that arising again.

And so, again, I am inspired by the example of the Baltic nations. I am inspired by your courage of the past and your determination to move forward in a free society.

Jennifer?

QUESTION: Russia has expressed some displeasure with your travel itty, stopping here in...

BUSH: At what, now?

QUESTION: Russia has expressed some displeasure with your travel itty on this trip, stopping here in Latvia and going to Georgia.

BUSH: Yes.

QUESTION: There's also some criticism that the U.S. is behind the revolutionary change in Georgia, Ukraine and Kurgistan (ph).

What do you say to talk that the U.S. is inappropriately meddling in the neighborhood?

BUSH: Oh, no, I thank you for that.

First of all, this is not my first trip to the Baltics and hopefully it will not be my last trip to the Baltics. We've got good friends here. And as I travel around the world, I like to touch base with our friends.

It, revolutions, that's an interesting -- I think you said the word revolution? You know, I don't -- freedom is universal. Freedom is etched in everybody's soul and the idea of countries helping others become free, I would hope that would be viewed as not revolutionary, but rational foreign policy, as decent foreign policy, as humane foreign policy.

I repeat to you that I think countries ought to feel comfortable with having democracies on their borders. After all, democracies are peaceful countries. I mean democracies don't fight each other. Democracies are good neighbors.

You know, it's amazing how far this continent has come because of the freedom movement. Sixty years ago is really not all that long ago in the march of history, is it? It's pretty long if you're 30 years old like you are, but 60 is not all that long for an old guy like President Adamkus.

But now we're standing here talking about other parts of the world taking for granted that Europe is whole, free and at peace. It shows you how much life has changed as a result of people embracing an ideology that encourages peace.

And we now have the same opportunity, this generation has the same opportunity to leave behind lasting peace for the next generation by working on the spread of freedom and democracy. And the United States has got great partners in doing what I think is our duty, to spread democracy and freedom, with the three nations represented here.

And so my trip here, Jennifer, is to say as clearly as I can to the people of these three great countries, thank you for your sacrifices, thank you for your courage and thank you for your willingness to elect people who are willing to spread freedom and peace around the world.

May god bless your countries and may god continue to bless mine.

Thank you very much.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: Thank you, Mr. President.

BUSH: Thank you.

HARRIS: Well, there you have the president in Riga, Latvia this morning at a news conference attended by the presidents of the Baltic countries, the presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia.

The president of Lithuania saying that those countries, the Baltic countries, are standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the war on terror.

The president talked about the relationship between the Baltics and Russia and his conversations before the President Clinton. Russia has an interest, he says, in having democracies on its border, that the Baltic countries, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, are good neighbors, peaceful neighbors moving forward in this march toward freedom and democracy and that they have made tremendous strides over the last decade in moving beyond the past.

The president also mentioned that it is time to move beyond the past, to remember the history, but move forward in fostering democracy and growth in countries around the world. The second hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

And from the CNN Center, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is May 7, 8:00 a.m. here at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, 5:00 a.m. ON the West Coast.

And good morning, everyone. I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks so much for being with us today.

Now in the news, the death toll is still being counted from a suicide car bombing in Baghdad this morning. The massive blast left at least 17 people dead, including four Westerners. The bombing, at a busy Baghdad intersection, set several vehicles on fire.

Ninety Democrats demand an answer from President Bush. A British tabloid report claims he and Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed military options in dealing with Iraq in July 2002. Now, that is nearly year before the U.S.-led invasion.

And a report this morning that North Korea may be preparing a nuclear weapons test. A Pentagon official has said satellite images show a suspected test site. The hole dug at the site is apparently consistent with preparations for an underground test.

North Korea claims it has nuclear weapons, but that's never been confirmed.

HARRIS: And here's what we're working on for you as you start the weekend.

President Bush marks the end of World War II in Europe, but he's treading with careful diplomacy across what is now a very different continent.

A Georgia high school student gets reprimanded over a cell phone call. But officials back off when they find out who's on the line.

And on the docket this morning, defense takes its turn in the Michael Jackson case. We will bring you up to date.

NGUYEN: President Bush is in Latvia this morning. His European tour commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. In Riga, the president is meeting with the leaders of Latvia and its Baltic neighbors, Estonia and Lithuania. We just brought that news conference.

Now, this afternoon, Mr. Bush travels to an American veterans' cemetery in the Netherlands. Monday he goes to Moscow for a private meeting with President Putin and Monday's World War II victory commemoration. He closes his trip on Tuesday with a visit to the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

White House correspondent Dana Bash is traveling with the president, and she joins us from Riga, Latvia, with the latest on all that we just heard from the news conference. Good morning, Dana.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

And you know, by coming to Latvia first to mark the celebration, if you will, of the end of World War II, Mr. Bush, as you mentioned, did sort of step into a dispute that has been going on between these Baltic countries and Moscow over just what exactly the end of World War II means.

Now, Mr. Bush made clear that it certainly means a great deal to Americans as well as Russians and most in Europe to mark the end of fascism, as he put it, the end of Adolf Hitler. But here in the Baltics, it means something quite different. It means that that was also the beginning of the time where they fell behind the Iron Curtain, that they were under Soviet domination.

So President Bush said just a few moments ago that he understands the fact that people here are quite upset about that, and upset about the fact that that marked a dark time in their history.

Now, this has been part of some of the tension between President Bush and Russian President Putin, the whole idea that these countries that Mr. Bush made clear he is very much supporting in their press for democracy want an apology from President Putin in Russia for these times, for the five decades being under Soviet oppression. President Putin is not doing that.

But there is a larger issue on this trip that President Putin is not happy with, that President Bush also addressed, and that is, that he decided to come to these former Soviet states in the first place when he was simply sort of supposed to be marking the end of World War II.

Mr. Bush said that his message to President Putin is this. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And so I will continue to speak as clearly as I can to President Putin that it's in his country's interests that there be democracies on his borders. I mean, after all, look at the three nations here. These are peaceful, prosperous nations that are good neighbors with Russia, and good neighbors with each other, and good neighbors elsewhere as well.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: So there you heard President Bush trying to make the case that Russia should not fear having democracies like Latvia, for example, on its border, but perhaps should embrace it.

That is going to be perhaps a tough sell for President Bush, but one that he has been repeating and certainly will likely repeat when he gives major speeches, his aides are putting it, later today here in Latvia, talking about the spread of freedom,but also talking about the fact that countries like Latvia need to move beyond elections and also need to embrace the fundamentals of democracy, like the rule of law and also protecting the rights of minorities, Betty.

NGUYEN: Dana, we're learning that the president will attend a military parade in the Red Square. Tell us why that may be raising some eyebrows.

BASH: Well, you know, that is, perhaps, part of the reason why President Bush decided to start here in Latvia, and then, of course, end his trip in Georgia. It is going to be quite an image to see President Bush standing the same place where we've seen over -- saw over the past century, almost century, some of the -- of Soviet Union's leaders, like Stalin, like Khrushchev, standing very near where President Bush will be standing watching Soviet army go by.

Now, obviously, it will be quite different. This will be a time for not only President Bush but 50-plus leaders from around the world to come and to commemorate the end of World War II, the 60th anniversary, but certainly that is an image that perhaps the White House wanted to counterbalance with the president also promoting the democracies that have emerged since the Soviet Union ended more than 10 years ago.

NGUYEN: It's a five-day trip. Dana Bash on that trip with the president. Thank you, Dana.

And we have been closing following, or we've been closing following president as closely, I should say, following the president as he cautiously tries to spread a democratic message overseas.

And that brings us to our e-mail question this morning. What is the greatest threat to democracy, in your eyes? Send us your comments to wam@cnn.com. We will read them on the air.

HARRIS: A school district in Columbus, Georgia, has reduced the suspension of a student who refused to end a cell phone call from his mom in Iraq. Kevin Francois had initially been given a 10-day suspension for disorderly conduct. That's now been reduced to three days.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

KEVIN FRANCOIS, MOM IN IRAQ: I was just talking to them, and they wouldn't listen to me about talking to my mom. And they just -- they wouldn't listen, so...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Suspension really was incidental to the telephone. It was the behavior of the student, using profanity, screaming at the teacher.

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

HARRIS: School officials say the student never told them he was talking with his mom, who's stationed in Iraq. They say the school routinely makes arrangements for students to receive calls from parents who are deployed overseas.

Here in Atlanta, police are reopening the investigations into some child murder cases from more than two decades ago in 1982. Wayne Williams was found guilty of killing two men. Police then attributed as many as 27 other murders of boys and young men to Williams. A cold case squad is now looking into several of the killings.

Terri Schiavo's family says they still have not been told where the woman's ashes are. Schiavo's brother says the family has still not heard from Terri's husband. Michael Schiavo is under court order to notify the parents of his plans for a memorial service. His brain- damaged wife's feeding tube was finally removed after a long court battle.

Its eyes not even open yet, this baby otter...

NGUYEN: Ohhh!

HARRIS: ... was inadvertently abandoned in a Seattle-area home. A wildlife officer chased its mother away and boarded up the entry hole, trapping the baby otter inside. It is now, we're happy to say, in an animal rehab center.

NGUYEN: Ohhhh!

HARRIS: Didn't know they had those, but OK.

NGUYEN: Cute little thing. Makes a lot of noise, apparently.

All right. Look at this. They are mothers who had no problem letting their children share Michael Jackson's bed. And ahead, the impact of their testimony on the Jackson case.

Also, want to say good morning, Boston. Your forecast, along with the rest of the nation's weather, that's coming up on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And checking your top stories this morning, President Bush just moments ago tipped his hat to the fledgling democracies in the Baltic nations. He met with leaders of three ex-Soviet republics in Latvia today. Monday, the president visits Moscow, where he'll mark the 60th anniversary of V-E Day.

In Iraq, a suicide car bomb blew up at a busy intersection in central Baghdad, killing 17 people. Four of them were Westerners. The attack targeted a convoy of SUVs typically used by private contractors in Iran.

A Pentagon official is downplaying a report that North Korea may be preparing a nuclear weapon test. The official says there are indications of underground test preparations but adds it could be deceptive.

NGUYEN: It's the defense's turn to tell its side of the story. The next chapter in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. That is straight ahead in our legal briefs. HARRIS: And more than 20 million Americans suffer from asthma. At the bottom of the hour on "HOUSE CALL," our Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at ways to control it.

This is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: ... prosecution. It rested its case this week.

What do you think? How'd they do?

NELDA BLAIR, FORMER PROSECUTOR: I thought they did a great job. They were methodical, they laid their case out, they covered every aspect of it, they had multiple witnesses, multiple evidence, when, in the beginning, we were led to believe there really wasn't much evidence against Michael. I think they did a real good job of putting it all together. And the defense has their chance now.

NGUYEN: Well, Lida, was there are lot of evidence, or was it just mainly circumstantial?

LIDA RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTIES ATTORNEY: It wasn't even circumstantial. It was downright boring. Eighty -- over 80 witnesses over nine weeks. And what does the prosecution come away with? An ex-wife that turned on them on the stand, and a mother of an alleged victim who was kookier than kooky, who gave contradictory stories, who fought with prosecutors and fought with defense lawyers and who made herself look silly.

BLAIR: (INAUDIBLE)...

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: There is no conspiracy case here. The defense demonstrated it...

NGUYEN: She is swinging today.

BLAIR: Lida, I'm so sorry that you weren't entertained by this case. But unfortunately, it's a criminal prosecution, not an entertainment television show. And the prosecution did exactly what they're supposed to do.

You know, all it takes is for that jury to believe a little bit of what most of those witnesses say, and this is a conviction, and you know it.

NGUYEN: All right. Lida, let's talk just a minute about the defense. Let's move on, because the defense is presenting its case, put on two witnesses, two young men who say they have slept with Michael Jackson at the Neverland ranch and nothing inappropriate happened. How strong were those witnesses?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Strong and hard-hitting. Right from the beginning, the defense is coming out, striking back at the very heart of the prosecution case. The prosecution put on a bunch of witnesses who were mentioning these boys' names, and said that they were molested. The boys get on the stand.

And, you know, the kicker was, at one point, with regard to Robesen (ph), one of the men who testified, who's now 25, he was asked, Were you ever molested? He said no. The prosecutor kept at it. And he said, Well, could you have been sleeping? And he said, Well, hello, I would have woken up if something like that were going on.

That's how desperate the prosecution got, that they had to allege that a witness, an alleged victim, who's here telling them, I wasn't molested, Well, you must have been sleeping through it.

NGUYEN: All right, Nelda, so do you believe that those witnesses were pretty strong? And if that's the case, should Michael Jackson take the stand?

BLAIR: Well, they're putting their strongest witnesses on first. So yes, obviously, these witnesses were good ones. They're good criminal defense lawyers, and that's the way they start.

But you know what? If that's all they've got, tough for the defense in this case.

Should Michael take the stand? Oh, my goodness. If I were Michael's attorney, I would never in my life allow that client on the stand. You have no idea what he's going to say. He gets on the Internet, he does soliloquies, he dances on cars. Who knows what he would say on the witness stand?

NGUYEN: OK. OK, we must move on, though, now.

Let's get to the case of Wayne Williams here in Georgia. He was convicted of murdering two adult men back in that 1982, serving two life sentences. But at the time, some 29 other murders involving children and young men were pinned on him as well.

Well, now the DeKalb County police chief says, I want to reopen this, because I think that he may not be guilty of those murders, those 29 other murders that were pinned on him.

Lida, what do you think about reopening this case?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Absolutely has to be reopened. And, you know, what's interesting here is that Chief Graham is doing a brave thing by reopening this -- these investigations and solving not just what turns out to possibly be unsolved murders. And mind you, he was never prosecuted for these 29 murders. After he was convicted of the other two, on very technical evidence, no eyewitnesses and pure circumstantial evidence, the police department declared the 29 other crimes solved.

That is in -- just -- it's a miscarriage of justice for the victims as well as for Williams.

BLAIR: (INAUDIBLE)...

NGUYEN: Nelda, was he just a fall guy here?

BLAIR: Well, who knows that? And Lida, they didn't just declare them solved out of the blue. They definitely had reason to believe that he may have committed these other murders. Now, this police chief, I will agree with you, is brave to open back up the cases. And he obviously has other reasons than what we know of to believe that maybe there's something out there.

And I'm sure that the families of those murdered victims would be very, very happy to know that there might be some more resolution to it.

Also, remember, though, just opening, reopening these cases does nothing to release this man from prison. It does nothing to overturn his convictions, because he was convicted of the -- of other crimes besides these.

NGUYEN: So you're saying those two life sentences will stay, it's not going to change that whatsoever.

BLAIR: Sure, sure.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: All right, and Nelda's absolutely right about that. But the issue here is, this was a very racially charged episode in Georgia's life. And what happened here is that because these 29 victims were all African-Americans, many people thought that the police gave short shrift to really investigating those crimes and coming to a conclusion as to who actually did the crimes.

And the fact he wasn't prosecuted was, in many people's mind, an indication that the police didn't really know that he in fact committed those crimes.

BLAIR: Maybe in the community. If you read those files, Lida, and went through what the police went through in those investigations, you might think differently.

NGUYEN: All right, we're going to have to leave it there, ladies. Thank you so much, as always, Lida Rodriguez-Taseff and Nelda Blair. See you next weekend.

BLAIR: Thank you.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Thanks.

HARRIS: Let's get to our e-mail question of the day and some of your responses. Here's the question. What's the greatest threat to democracy?

And our first response (INAUDIBLE) comes from David in Rockville, Maryland. First of all, the parenthetical here. How about this? How about this?

"CNN won't air this, because you're afraid to touch it." Oh, yes?

(LAUGHTER)

HARRIS: "The greatest threat to democracy is religious fundamentalism, and I just don't mean Islamic fundamentalism abroad, but Christian fundamentalism at home. Both of them want to curb the rights a secular democracy demands." That's from David.

NGUYEN: Well, Tom says, "The greatest threats to democracy are soft money, political action committees, and activist judges."

But, you know, we still want to know what you think this morning. So keep those thoughts coming, would you? What is the greatest threat to democracy? E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

HARRIS: Well, we haven't seen in him in a while. Let's check in now with Rob Marciano in the CNN Weather Center. Good morning, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Tony. That should be a lesson to all e-mailers. Don't double-dog us.

HARRIS: Oh, come on!

(CROSSTALK)

MARCIANO: ... right on there.

Hey, guys, good morning again. Some beautiful weather across parts of the country, mostly to the South, but northern states, a few storms to speak of.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

MARCIANO: So that's good news. Huh? Bit of swing, bit of swinging (INAUDIBLE) for you (INAUDIBLE). I don't know who that is. I know Frank sings it.

NGUYEN: Tony might know. You always know, Tony. No question, now.

HARRIS: Nah, nah, nah, I can't get this one. Can't get this one.

NGUYEN: We're going to take a break, we'll come back with that, though, Rob.

HARRIS: Yes, yes, can't get this one.

MARCIANO: See you guys.

HARRIS: OK. Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: Thanks.

HARRIS: And coming up next hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, hats, mint juleps, and horses. We'll preview the Kentucky Derby.

NGUYEN: Oh, yes.

Plus, allergy season is in full swing. And for those of you with asthma, this time of year can be a problem. Ahead on "HOUSE CALL WITH DR. SANJAY GUPTA," ways to control your asthma.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris. We'll see you again at the top of the hour.

"HOUSE CALL" and your top stories are straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

END

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Aired May 7, 2005 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: It's the first leg of President Bush's five day, four country trip through Europe to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2.
From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

Good morning, everybody.

It is May 7.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.

NGUYEN: Good morning.

HARRIS: Good morning.

I'm Tony Harris.

It is 7:00 a.m. in the East, 4:00 a.m. in the West.

Thank you for being with us.

Let's get you started with the day's top stories.

President Bush is on a trip through Europe that will test his skills of diplomacy. He is celebrating the end of World War 2, but doing it partly in Baltic states still stinging from Soviet occupation. He is in Latvia today. In about 30 minutes he'll have a news conference. Stay close. We will, of course, bring it to you live.

A car rigged with explosives blew up in a busy intersection in Baghdad four hours ago, killing at least 17 people, including four Westerners. The blast targeted a convoy of SUVs. Several other cars were involved in the fires that sent a huge black plume of smoke through central Baghdad.

In Georgia, police are reopening the investigations into the killings of four young boys more than two decades ago. A special cold case squad will look at the murders in 1982. Wayne Williams was found guilty of killing two men and police then attributed as many as 27 other murders of boys and young men to Williams. The mother and stepfather of a girl known for years only as "Precious Doe" have agreed to be extradited from Oklahoma to face murder churches. The girl's remains were found in Kansas City in 2001. Police say the two killed Erica Michelle Marie Green after she refused to go to bed just days before her fourth birthday.

NGUYEN: Here's what we are working on for you as you start the weekend today.

President Bush is celebrating the end of World War 2 as he treads with careful diplomacy across a very different Europe.

A Georgia school rethinks the suspension of a student after he talked to his mom, who is serving in Iraq, on a cell phone during school hours.

And it's a run for the roses. We are going "Beyond The Game," or, let's say, beyond the gate, today for a look at Kentucky Derby dollars.

HARRIS: As we mentioned, President Bush is in Latvia this morning on a European tour that pauses at the crossroads of history and gives pause to those who actually lived it.

First, the ceremonial. A few hours ago, Latvia awarded Mr. Bush its highest medal. There he is wading into terse -- a very terse dispute between Russia and some of its former Soviet republics. Officially, the president will focus on the 60th anniversary of the Nazi defeat. Unofficially, the trip will be laden with the symbolism and bitterness of the cold war that followed.

While in Latvia, Mr. Bush will stir more Russian anger by laying a wreath at a monument symbolizing independence from communism. Tomorrow in the Netherlands, he returns his focus to World War 2. He'll visit an American cemetery and attend a V-E Day ceremony with the first lady. On Monday, President Bush gathers with other leaders in Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebration. From Moscow, he moves on to Georgia. It will be his first visit to Georgia and the Netherlands.

Mr. Bush will hold a news conference in just about 20 minutes from now and CNN will carry it live. That's due to begin at 7:25 Eastern, 4:25 Pacific, here on CNN.

NGUYEN: All right, to fully understand today's tensions about the president's trip, you may have to go back some

60 years, when the Allied victory in Europe sowed the seeds of freedom's next great threat.

CNN national correspondent Bob Franken has this report from Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was an end, it was a beginning.

PRES. HARRY TRUMAN: The flags of freedom fly all over Europe.

FRANKEN: President Truman's announcement celebrated the end of a war that ravaged Europe and took millions of lives. It was also the beginning of unprecedented prosperity in the United States.

BOB DOLE, FORMER SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: We were 18, 19, 20 years of age and now we're, you know, we're lucky to be alive and to see what happened over the past 50, 60 years.

FRANKEN: Bob Dole missed the V-E Day celebration. He was in a body cast. His recovery from devastating war injuries to become a national leader is legend. He was helped along by a new law, the G.I. Bill.

DOLE: We had a chance, an opportunity that many of us wouldn't have had, to get a college education. And I think that's the most important piece of legislation in that area. It changed America. I think it helped change the world.

FRANKEN (on camera): It's only been about a year since the nation opened this World War 2 memorial after an effort led by Bob Dole. It marks, perhaps, the pinnacle of U.S. success. Now, those who lived through those times can reflect on the succeeding generations and what they've done with their country.

(voice-over): After the World War, a cold war. The planet was divided into two camps, basically, communists and non-communists. Many years later, the Soviet system collapsed under its own weight, even as the United States suffered through its own strains -- the Vietnam War, the civil rights struggles.

Now, there are new battles to fight, taken up now by the new generation. President Bush now in Europe to celebrate the 60th anniversary of V-E Day.

DOLE: I think we have now passed the torch to this generation.

FRANKEN: Of the 16 million who served in World War 2, fewer than five million are left. Nearly all of them proud of their legacy.

Bob Franken, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

NGUYEN: Now, to the nuclear tensions simmering on the Korean Peninsula.

China has reportedly rebuffed Washington's proposal to cut off oil to North Korea in an attempt to force its return to disarmament talks. The "Washington Post" cites unnamed U.S. officials in its report. The issue of North Korea's disarmament has taken on added urgency amid growing signs that it may be preparing for a nuclear weapons test.

The United Nations nuclear chief shares his concerns on CNN's "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOHAMED ELBARADEI, IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL: I'm afraid that this will throw back the whole North Korea file into, again, yet another worse situation than what we had in the last few years. It is getting from bad to worse, Wolf. And that the earlier we intervene to engage the North Koreans, the earlier we try to find a comprehensive solution, the better for everybody.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: You can see that full interview tomorrow at 12:00 Eastern, 9:00 Pacific, right here on CNN.

Well, as the West watches developments in the Baltics, North Korea and elsewhere, we want to hear from you this morning. What is the greatest threat now facing democracy? What do you think? E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

HARRIS: Back in the United States and back in time, police have reopened their investigation into the Atlanta child murders that riveted the nation a quarter century ago. Then, police said more than two dozen murders were linked. But one lawman is haunted by lingering doubts.

Reporter Paul Yates of CNN affiliate WAGA looks into the investigations.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

PAUL YATES, WAGA CORRESPONDENT: What's your view of the likelihood that something dramatically new can be determined at this date?

ROBBIE HAMRICK, FORSYTHE COUNTY CHIEF DEPUTY: I don't think that -- I don't see how it can be.

YATES (voice-over): Robbie Hamrick coordinated the investigation of Atlanta's missing and murdered children. He was a GBI inspector then and later the agency's director. Today, he is chief Forsyth County sheriff's deputy.

HAMRICK: I know of nothing that has changed over the years from the time, from the original indictment and conviction.

YATES: But for others, doubts have persisted about Wayne Williams' guilt, none more so than Louis Graham, another law enforcement veteran who is now DeKalb County police chief. He is reopening four of the DeKalb cases on the notorious list of murders.

LOUIS GRAHAM, DEKALB COUNTY POLICE CHIEF: Well, right now, as we speak, they are trying to locate the families or relatives of these victims so that I can bring them in and talk to them about what we are trying to do. YATES: The four DeKalb cases -- Patrick Baltazar, killed at age 11; Curtis Walker, 13 years old; Joseph Bell, 15; and William Barrett, age 17.

Wayne Williams was convicted of two other murders, but investigators said carpet fibers taken from his family home and cars linked Williams to additional cases.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: And that was reporter Paul Yates of CNN Atlanta affiliate WAGA.

NGUYEN: In case you didn't get your fill of headlines this week, let's "Rewind" through some of the big stories of the past few days.

On Wednesday, a military judge threw out the plea agreement of Army Private Lynndie England. She was seen in some of the most notorious pictures from the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal. Her supervisor, Charles Graner, testified that he ordered her to pose with the prisoners. The judge says Graner's testimony contradicts England's guilty plea.

On Thursday, two makeshift grenades exploded outside the building that houses the British consulate in New York City. The devices were placed inside a concrete planter next to the building. The explosions caused a chunk of concrete to shatter some windows.

Also on Thursday, police made two arrests after identifying the girl known as "Precious Doe" as Erica Michelle Marie Green. Her body and head were found separately just days apart in some Kansas City woods back in 2001. Oklahoma police arrested the girl's mother and stepfather in her death. Michelle and Harold Johnson have waived extradition and will return to Kansas.

Tomorrow, we will "Fast Forward" to the week ahead and tell you which stories will grab the spotlight.

HARRIS: As we told you, we'll go live to Europe in just a few moments for the president's news conference.

Plus, an emotional phone call from Iraq has one student sitting at home rather than in class.

NGUYEN: And how this pilot of this commuter jet put passengers in peril. We'll take a look at that.

But look who's awake this morning.

HARRIS: Oh.

NGUYEN: Where is he? Show him. There he is.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hey, hi.

NGUYEN: Rob Marciano -- good morning, Rob. MARCIANO: Hi, Betty.

Hey, Tony.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Could the tide be changing in the Michael Jackson molestation trial? Well, two men who stayed with Jackson as children say there was never any sexual contact, contradicting claims by the prosecution. "Legal Briefs" live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And here are some other stories making headlines across America this morning.

Some anxious moments in Las Vegas and some dramatic footage here. A passenger was forced to land a small private plane after the pilot suffered an apparent heart attack. The pilot later died. The other two passengers on the plane are OK.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JERRY KARAPICH, PASSENGER WHO LANDED THE PLANE: When I made the first pass at the airport was around when I was really frightened most, because I just didn't think I could get the plane down. And like I said, with Bob in the back, he was doing the work on the trim and doing the work on the dropping the landing gear and the flaps.

I think the third time when I went around I knew that I had to get the plane down and I think I knew I could do it at that time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Man.

A Columbus, Georgia school district has reduced the suspension of a student who refused to end a cell phone call from his mom in Iraq. Kevin Francois had initially been given a 10-day suspension for disorderly conduct. That's now been reduced to three days. School officials say he became defiant and used profanity when a teacher asked him to hand over the phone.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEVIN FRANCOIS, SUSPENDED STUDENT: I was just talking to them and they weren't listening to me about talking to my mom. And they just, they wouldn't listen.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The suspension, really, was incidental to the telephone. It was the behavior of the student, using profanity, screaming at the teacher.

FRANCOIS: I didn't curse at him. I just want to be done with it. I mean, they got me back in school or whatever, and I'm happy about that. And that's all I want to do is just go back to school.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Well, school officials say the student never told them he was talking with his mom, who's stationed in Iraq. They say the school often makes arrangements from students to receive calls from parents who are deployed overseas.

NGUYEN: And in sports this morning, the Washington Wizards are heading into the second round of the NBA playoffs. The Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls 94-91, to win their first play-off series since 1982. The Wizards now advance to play Miami in the Eastern Conference semifinals. That starts Sunday.

And today, the Indiana Pacers will play the Boston Celtics. Plus those Houston Rockets will take on my Dallas Mavericks.

HARRIS: Oh, lord.

NGUYEN: I had to put that in, right, Tony?

Both series are tied at three games apiece, with the losers, of course, going home.

And just a reminder -- the president is scheduled to hold a news conference from the first stop on his European trip in just a few minutes. There's a look at the place right now. We will bring it to you live when it happens.

HARRIS: And Rob Marciano is here now with weather for Latvia.

NGUYEN: Yes.

MARCIANO: Yes, yes.

NGUYEN: What is it like in Latvia?

MARCIANO: Where is that? Come on, give me, you know, I thought we -- I would talk more about the Kentucky Derby.

HARRIS: Yes.

(CROSSTALK)

MARCIANO: Let's talk about what's important on this Saturday.

(CROSSTALK)

MARCIANO: Discussing what exactly is in a mint julep early, before the show.

HARRIS: Right, right.

MARCIANO: Did we figure that out?

NGUYEN: I know what that is. Is it a drink? HARRIS: Yes.

MARCIANO: Oh, listen to her playing stupid.

NGUYEN: That's what I heard. Somebody told me that's what it was.

MARCIANO: All right, there we go. Well, you guys can debate about that. You've got about 60 seconds to work on it.

NGUYEN: OK.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Let's talk more about more important items on the political agenda today. Place your bets. They're running for the roses today. It looks pretty good. Most of the rain should be north of town. Party cloudy conditions at Churchill Downs with a temperature reading at post time of around 75 degrees.

NGUYEN: Ooh, that's perfect.

MARCIANO: That's perfect mint julep sipping weather.

HARRIS: Two cups of granulated sugar, two cup[s of water, fresh mint, crushed ice and ah, here we go. You ready?

MARCIANO: Ready.

NGUYEN: The good stuff? What is that?

MARCIANO: It's (INAUDIBLE)...

HARRIS: Oh, yes. As much Kentucky bourbon as you can take.

MARCIANO: Oh, yes. Of course.

HARRIS: But perfect.

MARCIANO: In drier country you've got to have a little bourbon.

HARRIS: There you go.

NGUYEN: And then place your bets after you've had a few of those.

MARCIANO: Oh...

HARRIS: Oh!

NGUYEN: You might do better that way.

MARCIANO: Five dollars is my max.

HARRIS: There you go.

NGUYEN: Five bucks?

MARCIANO: Yes.

Hey, Boat and Beach Report and the Allergy Forecast, stay tuned for that. That's coming up later in the show.

NGUYEN: What's the smile about? Is it off the charts?

MARCIANO: Well, it's just, no. We just have all sorts of information for you.

NGUYEN: OK.

HARRIS: Because Rob's paying the bills this morning.

NGUYEN: Yes, exactly.

HARRIS: That's what it is.

Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: Thank you, Rob.

Well, it is one of the biggest parties of the year. A who's who of celebrities will pack into Churchill Downs this afternoon for those mint juleps for the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby.

HARRIS: And look who is there looking for a free ticket. Sure. Sure. Cinch up that tie, my friend.

CNN sports analyst Rick Horrow joins us live as we take you "Beyond The Game" right here next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS (voice-over): When the heralded thoroughbred Smarty Jones made that incredible run at the Triple Crown last year, it helped bring millions of new race fans to the sport of horse racing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "SEA BISCUIT," COURTESY UNIVERSAL PICTURES)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Watch it, babe. Watch it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Equal credit is given to the blockbuster movie "Seabiscuit." In fact, last year the Kentucky Derby gambling record was trampled in the back stretch -- $99 million wagered legally on the fastest three minutes in sports. And for the year, $15 billion was spent betting at the tracks. The Baltics of horse racing this morning as we take you "Beyond The Game."

(END VIDEO TAPE) HARRIS: And this afternoon it is the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby at Louisville's Churchill Downs.

Joining us live from track side is the author of "When the Game Is On the Line" and CNN sports analyst Rick Horrow -- Rick, good to see you, my friend.

Are you laying off of the mint juleps, I hope?

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: I am. I absolutely am. Although it cost me $25 to get into this parking lot to be here. I think you're probably worth it, all told, though.

HARRIS: Well, I'll tell you what, there is money being made all over the place on this race today. And, all right, let's face it, the Derby is one of those special events. You're going to have 60 million viewers tuning in.

What is the big draw? Because for a lot of folks, they don't pay much attention to horse racing throughout the year. Is it the gambling aspect of the horse racing industry?

HORROW: Hey, Tony, it's the obvious answer. The big draw is gambling.

HARRIS: Yes.

HORROW: Money, money and more money. You said, $100 million bet on this, but 25 years ago, by the way, the Derby, $5 million. So we've grown up as a country. I don't know if it's the right way. A $15 billion industry, for example, gambling money. And who knows how much of that's not reported, for example? Simulcasting, slot machines in the industry now in Aqueduct, in Yonkers, Lauderdale. So all those new revenue sources.

But the other piece of this, this is entertainment. Behind us, a $121 million renovation, Churchill Downs. And the impact for this weekend is about $250 million, which is like a Super Bowl.

But here's the big winner -- two legs or four legs? Smarty Jones, last year, $25 million breeding rights fee and $75,000 to $150,000 a coupling for him. That's good work if you can get it.

HARRIS: Wow!

All right, you know, we're sort of -- I've got to ask you something. You have a pick in this race? I know you do. Who are you looking forward to run away with the roses today?

HORROW: Oh, it's a big deal. It's Bellamy Road. And here's why. You know, George Steinbrenner is sitting in the box. His two-legged assets, they're not doing very well.

HARRIS: Right.

HORROW: So you've got to hope that his four-legged asset does pretty well. Remember, he owns the Yankees. He also owns Bellamy Road.

HARRIS: How about my pick? Are you ready for my pick?

HORROW: I'm ready for your pick.

HARRIS: All right. All right. My pick today is Bandini. And the reason why I am picking Bandini is because this is a horse who I understand has a kind of a bit of a mean streak, who is willing to take a little bit of a nip out of you if the race isn't going his way.

HORROW: Well, here's a...

HARRIS: What do you think of this horse?

HORROW: Here's the thing, Tony, and this is a big deal. You know, 40 million people come to races every year and only about 10 million are avid fans. Now that they hear that Tony Harris has picked Bandini...

HARRIS: Oh, lord.

HORROW: ... the guy that picked the Atlanta Falcons to win the Super Bowl...

HARRIS: Oh, no. Here we go.

HORROW: ... you're going to have more and more people actually tuning in. So we probably increased ratings, at CNN, at least, by 10, 12 points.

HARRIS: Right.

Rick, thank you for the time this morning.

Enjoy the race.

We're kind of rushing a bit because we've got a presidential news conference in Latvia.

But good to see you.

HORROW: Two minutes, four seconds is the total time of the race, by the way. And look at all the excitement here.

HARRIS: That's it. That's it.

All right, Rick, appreciate it.

Thank you.

HORROW: Thanks, again.

HARRIS: See you next week.

NGUYEN: If Rick's there, it's a party.

We'll be talking about that a little bit later today, as well.

But right now we are standing by to take you live to Latvia at any moment. That is where President Bush is about to hold a news conference to discuss his historic trip through Europe to celebrate the anniversary of the end of World War 2.

HARRIS: Plus, nuclear technology in North Korea is causing increased international tension. The story right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And welcome back, everyone, to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

Here's a quick look at what's happening right now in the news.

We are awaiting the start of a news conference with President Bush and the leaders of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. This is a live picture of where that will take place. And when it does, we'll bring it to you live as it happens.

In the meantime, Mr. Bush is on a five day trip to Eastern Europe and Russia to mark the 60th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat. It is one of the most diplomatically challenging trips of the Bush presidency. Russia has complained that the president's visit to the Baltics is meddling in its affairs.

Now to Baghdad. The death toll from this morning's suicide car bombing has risen to 17, including four Westerners. More than 30 bystanders were also hurt, most of them Iraqi civilians. The apparent target was a convoy of SUVs typically used by private contractors.

And here in Atlanta, an infamous serial killer is getting another look. Police in DeKalb County will reopen a handful of cases attributed to Wayne Williams. He was convicted in 1982 of two murders, but was blamed for up to 29 killings from 1979 to 1981. Most of the victims were African-American boys.

HARRIS: The international community is intently focused right now on North Korea, where there are disturbing signs of a nuclear test that could be in the works.

CNN's Kitty Pilgrim has a closer look at the cryptic factors that make up the North Korean nuclear equation.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

KITTY PILGRIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The U.S. State Department reacting to headlines that say North Korea may be preparing to test a nuclear weapon.

TOM CASEY, STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: This is something that we're following very closely. Obviously, we look at both words and deeds when it comes to the North Koreans.

PILGRIM: In terms of words, six-party diplomatic talks involving North and South Korea, Russia, China and Japan, have repeatedly failed. Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of U.N. nuclear watchdog agency IAEA, emphasized the situation may be increasingly dangerous.

MOHAMED ELBARADEI, IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL: I would hope that every country right now, that every leader is on the phone with Kim Jong Il, trying to convince him to restrain from going ahead with this reported nuclear testing.

PILGRIM: But the issue is not clear whether the reported activity in North Korea are steps to test a nuclear device or just an elaborate rouse to ratchet up the pressure on the United States. Last weekend, North Korea tested a missile over the Sea of Japan on the eve of U.N. talks on nuclear disarmament, a gesture that suggests diplomatic manipulation.

Recently, experts observed that the steam which usually comes from the tower of the Pyongyang nuclear site in North Korea has stopped. It could signal that North Korea is unloading nuclear material from the site to manufacture new nuclear bombs. Most experts agree North Korea is estimated to possess some six to eight nuclear bombs.

DAVID ALBRIGHT, INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE & INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: They probably can put a crude nuclear weapon on one of their shorter- range missiles. Perhaps it could reach Japan. I don't believe that they could put a warhead on a missile that could reach the continental United States.

PILGRIM: Many experts think if North Korea does test, it's going to be a tremendous strain on the international community because that action requires immediate response.

Kitty Pilgrim, CNN.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: As the West watches developments in North Korea, the Baltics and elsewhere, we want to hear from you. What is the greatest threat now facing democracy. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

And time now to check out some of the other stories making news around the world.

NGUYEN: Reports coming in this morning on Iraq's new cabinet.

And for those details plus some of the other big international news, let's check in now with Anand Naidoo at the CNN international Desk -- good morning.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, a very good morning to you.

That's right, we have some information on the new Iraqi cabinet. We're getting reports that the government in Baghdad may announce some of the remaining posts that remain in that cabinet. And that announcement may come some time this weekend. Other ministers were sworn in earlier this week. Appointments to several important ministries have been delayed for weeks as the parties wrangled over who would be acceptable.

There has been serious disagreements over the post of defense minister and who would take that post. Several Sunni candidates were rejected some Shiites, who felt that those candidates were too close to the former regime of Saddam Hussein.

Now on to another cabinet, this one in London. Fresh from his election victory, British Prime Minister Tony Blair unveils his team. He has kept most of the familiar faces in his cabinet, but changed leadership in defense and health. The finance minister, Gordon Brown, thought to be a possible successor to Blair, keeps his post. So does the foreign secretary, Jack Straw. Blair's Labor Party, of course, won the election, but with a sharply reduced majority.

Now on to the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region. The first U.N. flight taking food into the war zone has landed in the Darfur state capital of Nyala. The World Food Program is trying to reach nearly two million people in the region. Officials say the food lift is vital during the coming rainy season, when the roads become impassable.

Darfur is the scene of one of the world's worst humanitarian tragedies. It's left hundreds of thousands of people dead.

That's all from me for now.

More later.

Back to Betty and Tony.

NGUYEN: Thank you, Annan.

HARRIS: Annan, thank you.

And we're going to take you now to Riga, Latvia.

We've been telling you all morning that we've been anticipating this news conference between President Bush and Latvia's president.

Let's take you there now.

PRES. VAIRA VIKE-FREIBERGA, LATVIA: ... transatlantic relationships and also on the relationship between these two institutions of which Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have become members since the past year, the relationship between NATO and the European Union.

We are honored and pleased to have this opportunity to have a great leader from a great and powerful country come to our region to show interest in what happens here and to have this open and very frank debate with the three Baltic presidents. With this, I pass the floor to the president of Lithuania, President Valdas Adamkus.

VALDAS ADAMKUS, LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT: Should I speak in English or Lithuanian?

VIKE-FREIBERGA: I think in English.

ADAMKUS: In English.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, this was an extremely good meeting and at a very good time. We are welcoming the president of the United States here. As I said, welcome back to the shores of the Baltic Sea.

And during the discussions, we really touched on vital issues, the relationship between the United States and the European continent as in a whole. We touched on the issues concerning that directly the relationship between the Baltic states and, of course, on the global issues. On the part of Lithuania, I have reassured the president that we are a staunch allies in the fight against terrorism. We will be standing shoulder to shoulder on general global issues concerning the humanity and especially in the event when we are celebrating, I mean the end of the World War 2 against the victory, the victory against Nazism and at the same time standing for the principles which are dear to the rest of the world community, principles of democracy, protection of the human rights, principles of the free expression.

And there was a total agreement and I can reassure the president of the United States that we will be standing and defending the right of the people, even those neighbors who are still, for them the democracy is a dream. And by standing and speaking freely and I would say introducing some kind of a dose of oxygen into the resistance and opposition, which is striving for those same rights we are enjoying, we will definitely will depend and make a better world looking into the future. And I am grateful to the president.

But his presence here in the Baltic states is the inspiration and strength for all of us to continue our commitments.

Thank you, Mr. President.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: President Ruutel?

(AMOLD RUUTEL, ESTONIAN PRESIDENT SPEAKING IN ESTONIAN)

NGUYEN: You've been listening to a press conference there in Latvia with President Bush and the three Baltic presidents. Of course, this that you've been seeing and listening to, although we can't understand what he's saying, there's the Estonian prime minister. We're trying to get a translation of that and when that happens, we will bring that to you live.

HARRIS: We're going to take a break and come back with more of CNN SATURDAY MORNING right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Here's another live look at Riga, Latvia this morning, where President Bush has met with the three Baltic presidents there.

This is a live news conference.

You're seeing the Estonian prime minister speak right now.

Of course, we're trying to get a translation of that.

There is President Bush. He will be speaking shortly. And when he does, we will be bringing that to you just as soon as possible.

But in the meantime, we want to check some of the other top stories in the news this morning.

President Bush, as we just mentioned, in Latvia this morning to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe. He is meeting today with the leaders from three Baltic states, a move that's igniting the nations' still simmering anger toward Russia.

Also, four Westerners are among the casualties after a car bomb exploded in central Baghdad. At least 17 people were killed. More than 30 are wounded. The U.S. military says the four Westerners worked for a U.S. contractor, but it is not clear if they are Americans.

And Atlanta police are reopening at least four deaths that had been attributed to convicted killer Wayne Williams. Williams is suspected of killing up to 29 men and boys in Atlanta in the 1970s and '80s, but has been convicted of only two murders.

In just a few minutes, your answers to our E-mail Question of the Day. Here it is. Here's the question. What's the greatest threat to democracy?

Right now, though, we want to take you back to Latvia and President Bush, who is speaking.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... Latvia's hospitality has been tremendous and we really thank you.

And it's such an honor to be standing here with the leaders of three close allies and friends, such incredibly important symbols of what freedom can mean to this neighborhood and countries in the world. And so we are proud to be here with you all, fellow members of NATO.

One objective of my trip is to honor the memories of those who sacrificed 60 years ago in the struggle against Nazism and fascism. Tomorrow I'll be in the cemetery in the Netherlands to pay tribute to a generation that was willing to sacrifice for freedom and peace. But I recognize that in the West the end of the Second World War meant peace, but in the Baltics it brought occupation and communist oppression.

And the American people will never forget the occupation and communist oppression of the people of the Baltics. We recognize your painful history.

I want to congratulate our friends and allies that stand here with me on the progress you've made in the past decade. You see, one of the important examples of these three countries is that not only have they become free societies, but they've learned to adapt to the conditions of a free society. It's not easy to go from communism to democracy and yet these three nations have shown the world how to do so. And we congratulate you on your good, hard work.

Your economies are flourishing. People are allowed to express their opinions. As a result, you've been readily accepted into NATO and now the E.U. And the world is better off because of the hard decisions your governments have made.

I also want to thank you for your hard work in helping democracy spread in the neighborhood. We had a really good discussion today about Belarus. We talked about the Ukraine and government and Moldova. We talked about Russia and the relationship between the Baltics and Russia.

These three nations have also recognized that those of us who are free have a responsibility to help others be free outside of our neighborhoods and I want to thank you for your contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To this end, I discussed my request for the U.S. Solidarity Fund, my request to the Congress for the U.S. Solidarity Fund to help these nations who have deployed troops to be able to better afford those deployments. And we talked about bilateral relations, as well. As you can imagine, one topic that came up with all three leaders was visa policy. I talked about the way forward to make sure our visa policy works well with our friends and allies.

Part of the issue, of course, is that in the past we've looked to past history to determine future visa policy and now we've begun to change looking at the past. In other words, the overstays during occupation must be viewed differently now that the three countries have been freed. And we look forward to working with you on the way forward to reasonable and fair visa policy.

There are thousands of people in my country who have come from your countries. They send best regards.

And I say to you thank you for being such good friends and colleagues.

And thank you for your hospitality again, Madam President.

Now, if you'd like to do something (INAUDIBLE).

VIKE-FREIBERGA: Thank you for that statement, Mr. President.

We do have a limited time at our disposal and I understand that the framework is to be one question to each president.

So we start with a question to President Adamkus. BUSH: Or you can have four presidents to me, questions to me. (INAUDIBLE)...

VIKE-FREIBERGA: There's a question out there.

The microphone?

QUESTION: Yes. Vicandas Poechialsus (ph) from Lithuanian Television. Actually, I have a question to President Bush.

BUSH: Yes, I thought that might be the case.

QUESTION: Regarding what you've said recently, that democratic Belarus is also in Russia's interests. Now, can there be a deal between Washington and Moscow whereby Russia would make sure that President Lukashenka is not reelected next year and in return, Washington would encourage the -- or would hail the democracy there, but turn a blind eye on the continued Russian influence there? Or are you prepared to go all the way?

BUSH: No, that's an interesting question. Can you make a deal to determine somebody else's fate?

I think that's what we're lamenting here today, about what happened to the Baltics. You know, kind of one of those secret deals amongst large powers that consigns people to a way of government.

No, we don't make secret deals. The only deal that I think is a necessary deal for people is the deal of freedom. They should be allowed to express themselves in free and open and fair elections in Belarus. And that's -- and as to whether or not it's in Russia's interests that democracies be on her border, absolutely it's in Russia's interests that she have friends and have neighbors who are democracies.

We're used to that in America. We've got democracies on our border. And it's a blessing to have democracies on our border.

We don't always agree, by the way, with our friends on our borders. But we are able to settle disputes peacefully because we are democracies. And so I will continue to speak as clearly as I can to President Putin that it's in his country's interests that there be democracies on his borders.

I mean after all, look at the three nations here. These are peaceful, prosperous nations that are good neighbors with Russia and good neighbors with each other and good neighbors elsewhere, as well.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: A question from the Estonian side?

QUESTION: I have a question to Mr. President Bush, but I will ask it in the Estonian language.

(QUESTION IN ESTONIAN)

BUSH: All right. I need the English translation here. Start over.

(QUESTION IN ESTONIAN)

BUSH: Say that again.

I'm getting kind of old and I'm having trouble hearing.

(QUESTION IN ESTONIAN)

BUSH: The ranking how important the relationship is with Estonia?

QUESTION: Yes, exactly.

BUSH: Well, now that the president is standing here, very important. No, look, I don't think a president can rank. But a president can praise and I praise Estonia for being an open market economy that is a free society. And, therefore, if you're a free society that embraces market economies, you will rank very high with me and the United States.

The example of the Baltics is so vital for countries who are emerging from tyrannies and oppressive governments to free societies. It's really important. And that's why the active participation of the three leaders here in helping NGOs and civil societies develop in new democracies is vital, because who has got more credibility with leaders in new democracies than the three leaders here, who have had the experience of helping a democracy emerge?

And so you rank very high, as far as I'm concerned, as participants in the freedom movement, the ability to inspire by example and lend expertise because of the experience you've had.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: Thank you very much.

A question from the Latvian side?

QUESTION: My question goes to Mr. Bush and the other leaders, too, if they want to answer. And I will answer in Latvian.

(QUESTION ASKED IN LATVIAN)

BUSH: Yes, well, my position on that issue is very clear and has been clear, about the occupation. And the position of my country has been clear about the occupation ever since the occupation took place. We proudly flew the flags of independent nations above your embassies in Washington, D.C. and the statement was clear. We never recognized nor accepted the occupation that did take place.

I think this moment, in this moment in history will give everybody a chance to recognize what took place in the past and move on. And, look, I fully understand there's a lot of anger and frustration involved in the three Baltic countries about the occupation. I've expressed that to President Putin. But he didn't need me to tell him. He fully understands there's a lot of frustrations and anger about what took place.

My hope is that we're now able to move beyond that phase of history into a phase that is embracing democracy and free societies. These are extraordinary times that we're living in and three Baltic countries are capable of helping Russia and other countries in this part of the world see the benefits of what it means to live in a free society.

And so we have a great opportunity to move beyond the past.

Again, I repeat to you, I recognize the painful history and my hope is that, is that we're able to learn the lessons from that painful history, that tyranny is evil and people deserve to live in a free society.

As I'm going to say in my speech a little later on here, I'm going to say never again should we allow Jews and gypsies to be exterminated and the world not pay close attention to it. Never again should we let -- shall we tolerate tyranny and subjugating people to incredible death. We have an obligation as free societies never to forget that history and to do something about the possibility of that arising again.

And so, again, I am inspired by the example of the Baltic nations. I am inspired by your courage of the past and your determination to move forward in a free society.

Jennifer?

QUESTION: Russia has expressed some displeasure with your travel itty, stopping here in...

BUSH: At what, now?

QUESTION: Russia has expressed some displeasure with your travel itty on this trip, stopping here in Latvia and going to Georgia.

BUSH: Yes.

QUESTION: There's also some criticism that the U.S. is behind the revolutionary change in Georgia, Ukraine and Kurgistan (ph).

What do you say to talk that the U.S. is inappropriately meddling in the neighborhood?

BUSH: Oh, no, I thank you for that.

First of all, this is not my first trip to the Baltics and hopefully it will not be my last trip to the Baltics. We've got good friends here. And as I travel around the world, I like to touch base with our friends.

It, revolutions, that's an interesting -- I think you said the word revolution? You know, I don't -- freedom is universal. Freedom is etched in everybody's soul and the idea of countries helping others become free, I would hope that would be viewed as not revolutionary, but rational foreign policy, as decent foreign policy, as humane foreign policy.

I repeat to you that I think countries ought to feel comfortable with having democracies on their borders. After all, democracies are peaceful countries. I mean democracies don't fight each other. Democracies are good neighbors.

You know, it's amazing how far this continent has come because of the freedom movement. Sixty years ago is really not all that long ago in the march of history, is it? It's pretty long if you're 30 years old like you are, but 60 is not all that long for an old guy like President Adamkus.

But now we're standing here talking about other parts of the world taking for granted that Europe is whole, free and at peace. It shows you how much life has changed as a result of people embracing an ideology that encourages peace.

And we now have the same opportunity, this generation has the same opportunity to leave behind lasting peace for the next generation by working on the spread of freedom and democracy. And the United States has got great partners in doing what I think is our duty, to spread democracy and freedom, with the three nations represented here.

And so my trip here, Jennifer, is to say as clearly as I can to the people of these three great countries, thank you for your sacrifices, thank you for your courage and thank you for your willingness to elect people who are willing to spread freedom and peace around the world.

May god bless your countries and may god continue to bless mine.

Thank you very much.

VIKE-FREIBERGA: Thank you, Mr. President.

BUSH: Thank you.

HARRIS: Well, there you have the president in Riga, Latvia this morning at a news conference attended by the presidents of the Baltic countries, the presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia.

The president of Lithuania saying that those countries, the Baltic countries, are standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the war on terror.

The president talked about the relationship between the Baltics and Russia and his conversations before the President Clinton. Russia has an interest, he says, in having democracies on its border, that the Baltic countries, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, are good neighbors, peaceful neighbors moving forward in this march toward freedom and democracy and that they have made tremendous strides over the last decade in moving beyond the past.

The president also mentioned that it is time to move beyond the past, to remember the history, but move forward in fostering democracy and growth in countries around the world. The second hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

And from the CNN Center, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is May 7, 8:00 a.m. here at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, 5:00 a.m. ON the West Coast.

And good morning, everyone. I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks so much for being with us today.

Now in the news, the death toll is still being counted from a suicide car bombing in Baghdad this morning. The massive blast left at least 17 people dead, including four Westerners. The bombing, at a busy Baghdad intersection, set several vehicles on fire.

Ninety Democrats demand an answer from President Bush. A British tabloid report claims he and Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed military options in dealing with Iraq in July 2002. Now, that is nearly year before the U.S.-led invasion.

And a report this morning that North Korea may be preparing a nuclear weapons test. A Pentagon official has said satellite images show a suspected test site. The hole dug at the site is apparently consistent with preparations for an underground test.

North Korea claims it has nuclear weapons, but that's never been confirmed.

HARRIS: And here's what we're working on for you as you start the weekend.

President Bush marks the end of World War II in Europe, but he's treading with careful diplomacy across what is now a very different continent.

A Georgia high school student gets reprimanded over a cell phone call. But officials back off when they find out who's on the line.

And on the docket this morning, defense takes its turn in the Michael Jackson case. We will bring you up to date.

NGUYEN: President Bush is in Latvia this morning. His European tour commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. In Riga, the president is meeting with the leaders of Latvia and its Baltic neighbors, Estonia and Lithuania. We just brought that news conference.

Now, this afternoon, Mr. Bush travels to an American veterans' cemetery in the Netherlands. Monday he goes to Moscow for a private meeting with President Putin and Monday's World War II victory commemoration. He closes his trip on Tuesday with a visit to the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

White House correspondent Dana Bash is traveling with the president, and she joins us from Riga, Latvia, with the latest on all that we just heard from the news conference. Good morning, Dana.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

And you know, by coming to Latvia first to mark the celebration, if you will, of the end of World War II, Mr. Bush, as you mentioned, did sort of step into a dispute that has been going on between these Baltic countries and Moscow over just what exactly the end of World War II means.

Now, Mr. Bush made clear that it certainly means a great deal to Americans as well as Russians and most in Europe to mark the end of fascism, as he put it, the end of Adolf Hitler. But here in the Baltics, it means something quite different. It means that that was also the beginning of the time where they fell behind the Iron Curtain, that they were under Soviet domination.

So President Bush said just a few moments ago that he understands the fact that people here are quite upset about that, and upset about the fact that that marked a dark time in their history.

Now, this has been part of some of the tension between President Bush and Russian President Putin, the whole idea that these countries that Mr. Bush made clear he is very much supporting in their press for democracy want an apology from President Putin in Russia for these times, for the five decades being under Soviet oppression. President Putin is not doing that.

But there is a larger issue on this trip that President Putin is not happy with, that President Bush also addressed, and that is, that he decided to come to these former Soviet states in the first place when he was simply sort of supposed to be marking the end of World War II.

Mr. Bush said that his message to President Putin is this. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And so I will continue to speak as clearly as I can to President Putin that it's in his country's interests that there be democracies on his borders. I mean, after all, look at the three nations here. These are peaceful, prosperous nations that are good neighbors with Russia, and good neighbors with each other, and good neighbors elsewhere as well.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: So there you heard President Bush trying to make the case that Russia should not fear having democracies like Latvia, for example, on its border, but perhaps should embrace it.

That is going to be perhaps a tough sell for President Bush, but one that he has been repeating and certainly will likely repeat when he gives major speeches, his aides are putting it, later today here in Latvia, talking about the spread of freedom,but also talking about the fact that countries like Latvia need to move beyond elections and also need to embrace the fundamentals of democracy, like the rule of law and also protecting the rights of minorities, Betty.

NGUYEN: Dana, we're learning that the president will attend a military parade in the Red Square. Tell us why that may be raising some eyebrows.

BASH: Well, you know, that is, perhaps, part of the reason why President Bush decided to start here in Latvia, and then, of course, end his trip in Georgia. It is going to be quite an image to see President Bush standing the same place where we've seen over -- saw over the past century, almost century, some of the -- of Soviet Union's leaders, like Stalin, like Khrushchev, standing very near where President Bush will be standing watching Soviet army go by.

Now, obviously, it will be quite different. This will be a time for not only President Bush but 50-plus leaders from around the world to come and to commemorate the end of World War II, the 60th anniversary, but certainly that is an image that perhaps the White House wanted to counterbalance with the president also promoting the democracies that have emerged since the Soviet Union ended more than 10 years ago.

NGUYEN: It's a five-day trip. Dana Bash on that trip with the president. Thank you, Dana.

And we have been closing following, or we've been closing following president as closely, I should say, following the president as he cautiously tries to spread a democratic message overseas.

And that brings us to our e-mail question this morning. What is the greatest threat to democracy, in your eyes? Send us your comments to wam@cnn.com. We will read them on the air.

HARRIS: A school district in Columbus, Georgia, has reduced the suspension of a student who refused to end a cell phone call from his mom in Iraq. Kevin Francois had initially been given a 10-day suspension for disorderly conduct. That's now been reduced to three days.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

KEVIN FRANCOIS, MOM IN IRAQ: I was just talking to them, and they wouldn't listen to me about talking to my mom. And they just -- they wouldn't listen, so...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Suspension really was incidental to the telephone. It was the behavior of the student, using profanity, screaming at the teacher.

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

HARRIS: School officials say the student never told them he was talking with his mom, who's stationed in Iraq. They say the school routinely makes arrangements for students to receive calls from parents who are deployed overseas.

Here in Atlanta, police are reopening the investigations into some child murder cases from more than two decades ago in 1982. Wayne Williams was found guilty of killing two men. Police then attributed as many as 27 other murders of boys and young men to Williams. A cold case squad is now looking into several of the killings.

Terri Schiavo's family says they still have not been told where the woman's ashes are. Schiavo's brother says the family has still not heard from Terri's husband. Michael Schiavo is under court order to notify the parents of his plans for a memorial service. His brain- damaged wife's feeding tube was finally removed after a long court battle.

Its eyes not even open yet, this baby otter...

NGUYEN: Ohhh!

HARRIS: ... was inadvertently abandoned in a Seattle-area home. A wildlife officer chased its mother away and boarded up the entry hole, trapping the baby otter inside. It is now, we're happy to say, in an animal rehab center.

NGUYEN: Ohhhh!

HARRIS: Didn't know they had those, but OK.

NGUYEN: Cute little thing. Makes a lot of noise, apparently.

All right. Look at this. They are mothers who had no problem letting their children share Michael Jackson's bed. And ahead, the impact of their testimony on the Jackson case.

Also, want to say good morning, Boston. Your forecast, along with the rest of the nation's weather, that's coming up on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And checking your top stories this morning, President Bush just moments ago tipped his hat to the fledgling democracies in the Baltic nations. He met with leaders of three ex-Soviet republics in Latvia today. Monday, the president visits Moscow, where he'll mark the 60th anniversary of V-E Day.

In Iraq, a suicide car bomb blew up at a busy intersection in central Baghdad, killing 17 people. Four of them were Westerners. The attack targeted a convoy of SUVs typically used by private contractors in Iran.

A Pentagon official is downplaying a report that North Korea may be preparing a nuclear weapon test. The official says there are indications of underground test preparations but adds it could be deceptive.

NGUYEN: It's the defense's turn to tell its side of the story. The next chapter in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. That is straight ahead in our legal briefs. HARRIS: And more than 20 million Americans suffer from asthma. At the bottom of the hour on "HOUSE CALL," our Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at ways to control it.

This is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: ... prosecution. It rested its case this week.

What do you think? How'd they do?

NELDA BLAIR, FORMER PROSECUTOR: I thought they did a great job. They were methodical, they laid their case out, they covered every aspect of it, they had multiple witnesses, multiple evidence, when, in the beginning, we were led to believe there really wasn't much evidence against Michael. I think they did a real good job of putting it all together. And the defense has their chance now.

NGUYEN: Well, Lida, was there are lot of evidence, or was it just mainly circumstantial?

LIDA RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTIES ATTORNEY: It wasn't even circumstantial. It was downright boring. Eighty -- over 80 witnesses over nine weeks. And what does the prosecution come away with? An ex-wife that turned on them on the stand, and a mother of an alleged victim who was kookier than kooky, who gave contradictory stories, who fought with prosecutors and fought with defense lawyers and who made herself look silly.

BLAIR: (INAUDIBLE)...

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: There is no conspiracy case here. The defense demonstrated it...

NGUYEN: She is swinging today.

BLAIR: Lida, I'm so sorry that you weren't entertained by this case. But unfortunately, it's a criminal prosecution, not an entertainment television show. And the prosecution did exactly what they're supposed to do.

You know, all it takes is for that jury to believe a little bit of what most of those witnesses say, and this is a conviction, and you know it.

NGUYEN: All right. Lida, let's talk just a minute about the defense. Let's move on, because the defense is presenting its case, put on two witnesses, two young men who say they have slept with Michael Jackson at the Neverland ranch and nothing inappropriate happened. How strong were those witnesses?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Strong and hard-hitting. Right from the beginning, the defense is coming out, striking back at the very heart of the prosecution case. The prosecution put on a bunch of witnesses who were mentioning these boys' names, and said that they were molested. The boys get on the stand.

And, you know, the kicker was, at one point, with regard to Robesen (ph), one of the men who testified, who's now 25, he was asked, Were you ever molested? He said no. The prosecutor kept at it. And he said, Well, could you have been sleeping? And he said, Well, hello, I would have woken up if something like that were going on.

That's how desperate the prosecution got, that they had to allege that a witness, an alleged victim, who's here telling them, I wasn't molested, Well, you must have been sleeping through it.

NGUYEN: All right, Nelda, so do you believe that those witnesses were pretty strong? And if that's the case, should Michael Jackson take the stand?

BLAIR: Well, they're putting their strongest witnesses on first. So yes, obviously, these witnesses were good ones. They're good criminal defense lawyers, and that's the way they start.

But you know what? If that's all they've got, tough for the defense in this case.

Should Michael take the stand? Oh, my goodness. If I were Michael's attorney, I would never in my life allow that client on the stand. You have no idea what he's going to say. He gets on the Internet, he does soliloquies, he dances on cars. Who knows what he would say on the witness stand?

NGUYEN: OK. OK, we must move on, though, now.

Let's get to the case of Wayne Williams here in Georgia. He was convicted of murdering two adult men back in that 1982, serving two life sentences. But at the time, some 29 other murders involving children and young men were pinned on him as well.

Well, now the DeKalb County police chief says, I want to reopen this, because I think that he may not be guilty of those murders, those 29 other murders that were pinned on him.

Lida, what do you think about reopening this case?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Absolutely has to be reopened. And, you know, what's interesting here is that Chief Graham is doing a brave thing by reopening this -- these investigations and solving not just what turns out to possibly be unsolved murders. And mind you, he was never prosecuted for these 29 murders. After he was convicted of the other two, on very technical evidence, no eyewitnesses and pure circumstantial evidence, the police department declared the 29 other crimes solved.

That is in -- just -- it's a miscarriage of justice for the victims as well as for Williams.

BLAIR: (INAUDIBLE)...

NGUYEN: Nelda, was he just a fall guy here?

BLAIR: Well, who knows that? And Lida, they didn't just declare them solved out of the blue. They definitely had reason to believe that he may have committed these other murders. Now, this police chief, I will agree with you, is brave to open back up the cases. And he obviously has other reasons than what we know of to believe that maybe there's something out there.

And I'm sure that the families of those murdered victims would be very, very happy to know that there might be some more resolution to it.

Also, remember, though, just opening, reopening these cases does nothing to release this man from prison. It does nothing to overturn his convictions, because he was convicted of the -- of other crimes besides these.

NGUYEN: So you're saying those two life sentences will stay, it's not going to change that whatsoever.

BLAIR: Sure, sure.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: All right, and Nelda's absolutely right about that. But the issue here is, this was a very racially charged episode in Georgia's life. And what happened here is that because these 29 victims were all African-Americans, many people thought that the police gave short shrift to really investigating those crimes and coming to a conclusion as to who actually did the crimes.

And the fact he wasn't prosecuted was, in many people's mind, an indication that the police didn't really know that he in fact committed those crimes.

BLAIR: Maybe in the community. If you read those files, Lida, and went through what the police went through in those investigations, you might think differently.

NGUYEN: All right, we're going to have to leave it there, ladies. Thank you so much, as always, Lida Rodriguez-Taseff and Nelda Blair. See you next weekend.

BLAIR: Thank you.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Thanks.

HARRIS: Let's get to our e-mail question of the day and some of your responses. Here's the question. What's the greatest threat to democracy?

And our first response (INAUDIBLE) comes from David in Rockville, Maryland. First of all, the parenthetical here. How about this? How about this?

"CNN won't air this, because you're afraid to touch it." Oh, yes?

(LAUGHTER)

HARRIS: "The greatest threat to democracy is religious fundamentalism, and I just don't mean Islamic fundamentalism abroad, but Christian fundamentalism at home. Both of them want to curb the rights a secular democracy demands." That's from David.

NGUYEN: Well, Tom says, "The greatest threats to democracy are soft money, political action committees, and activist judges."

But, you know, we still want to know what you think this morning. So keep those thoughts coming, would you? What is the greatest threat to democracy? E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

HARRIS: Well, we haven't seen in him in a while. Let's check in now with Rob Marciano in the CNN Weather Center. Good morning, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Tony. That should be a lesson to all e-mailers. Don't double-dog us.

HARRIS: Oh, come on!

(CROSSTALK)

MARCIANO: ... right on there.

Hey, guys, good morning again. Some beautiful weather across parts of the country, mostly to the South, but northern states, a few storms to speak of.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

MARCIANO: So that's good news. Huh? Bit of swing, bit of swinging (INAUDIBLE) for you (INAUDIBLE). I don't know who that is. I know Frank sings it.

NGUYEN: Tony might know. You always know, Tony. No question, now.

HARRIS: Nah, nah, nah, I can't get this one. Can't get this one.

NGUYEN: We're going to take a break, we'll come back with that, though, Rob.

HARRIS: Yes, yes, can't get this one.

MARCIANO: See you guys.

HARRIS: OK. Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: Thanks.

HARRIS: And coming up next hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, hats, mint juleps, and horses. We'll preview the Kentucky Derby.

NGUYEN: Oh, yes.

Plus, allergy season is in full swing. And for those of you with asthma, this time of year can be a problem. Ahead on "HOUSE CALL WITH DR. SANJAY GUPTA," ways to control your asthma.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris. We'll see you again at the top of the hour.

"HOUSE CALL" and your top stories are straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

END

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