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CNN Live Sunday
Specialist to Face Court Martial for Prisoner Abuse Scandal; White House Defends Rumsfeld; Chechen President Killed in Bomb Blast
Aired May 09, 2004 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: It is 7 p.m. in Najaf, Iraq, 11 a.m. in Washington, D.C. I'm Fredricka Whitfield from CNN LIVE SUNDAY.
Ahead, a military offensive under way in Najaf. The latest on U.S. efforts to retake control of the embattled city.
Also the Iraqi prisoner treatment scandal, what Vice President Dick Cheney is saying about the secretary of defense.
And later...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: What would you like to say to your mother for Mother's Day?
TASHARA TAYLOR, SOLDIER'S DAUGHTER: I love you. Be careful and happy Mother's Day.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Young children separated from their Moms on this Mother's Day for the second year in a row. How they're handling the long time apart.
But first, here are the headlines.
A low-ranking U.S. soldier is the first whose trial date has been set in the Iraq prisoner matter. Military policeman Jeremy Sivits of Pennsylvania will face a military court, charged with prisoner abuse. The trial date is set for May 19 in Baghdad.
At least five Iraqis were killed at a crowded marketplace in Baghdad. Police say an improvised explosive device is to blame. Thirteen people were wounded, including six police officers. One of them is reported in critical condition.
The president of Chechnya and at least three others were killed in an explosion in the capital of Grozny. Officials were watching a World War II memorial ceremony at a stadium when the blast went off. Officials say the device may have been buried beneath the VIP section weeks ago when the stadium was refurbished.
Up first, the Iraqi prisoner scandal. An American military policeman involved in the case will face court-martial proceedings in just ten days from now. He is Specialist Jeremy Sivits of Pennsylvania, one of seven soldiers so far to face charges in that case.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY: On 5 May 2004, charges were referred against specialist Jeremy Sivits to a special court martial empowered to adjudge a bad conduct discharge.
The three charges against Specialist Sivits are conspiracy to maltreatment -- to maltreat subordinates and detainees; dereliction of duty for negligently failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment; and maltreatment of detainees.
The court martial, U.S. v. Specialist Jeremy Sivits, is docketed for May 19 and subject to final coordination and approval. The trials will be held at a location within this convention center here in Baghdad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Sivits' father says the Army trained his son to be a truck America, not a prison guard, and he was just doing what he was told to do.
The firestorm of criticism against the Bush administration centers on Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. The administration is pulling out all the stops to defend him under withering political attack.
Suzanne Malveaux has that part of the story from the White House.
Good morning, Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Fred.
Well, arguably, it's one of the most damaging weeks for the president, but the White House is trying to resuscitate its reputation, particularly that of Secretary Rumsfeld.
It was yesterday that the vice president, as well as other top officials here at the White House, participated in a secure teleconference with the president, who's at Camp David.
And after a series of apologies from the president on down, the focus now, they say, of course, is to punish those who are responsible. But senior administration officials say that will not be Rumsfeld, despite the fact that there are many who are calling for his resignation.
Democrats -- in a rare move, Cheney put out a statement yesterday from his office, saying, "As the former secretary of defense, I think Donald Rumsfeld is the best secretary of defense the United States has ever had. People ought to let him do his job." To other reporters, he said that people should get off his back.
Well, that has not stopped the chorus of those who are calling for his resignation and the debate this morning over who is responsible.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEN. WESLEY CLARK, U.S. ARMY (RET.): I think it would be very patriotic if secretary Rumsfeld resigned. But I do think that the issue goes beyond the secretary of defense.
SEN. CARL LEVIN (D), MICHIGAN: I'm not calling for Rumsfeld's removal, because I think that would not represent a change in the direction, a reaching out to other countries.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican, this morning taking issues with Cheney's comments, saying he thought it was inappropriate to say get off his back, or get off his case. He says it's just as inappropriate to say that as it is to call for Rumsfeld's resignation.
He says that the Senate and others are simply asking the tough questions that need to be asked.
Now you should know, Fred, that tomorrow President Bush is going to go to the Pentagon. He's going to get a military briefing by Rumsfeld. It's expected that he is going to stand shoulder to shoulder beside him and give him his support.
WHITFIELD: Suzanne Malveaux from the White House, thanks very much.
CNN will have much more on the allegations of prison mistreatment on "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER." Among the guests, Seymour Hersh of "The New Yorker" and his latest article on the issue.
An Indiana congressman is blasting the Pentagon for apparently failing to send an experienced legal adviser to Abu Ghraib.
Republican Steve Buyer served with the 800th Military Police Brigade during the first Gulf War. He says he was to deploy to Iraq, but the Pentagon nixed the plan three days before he was to leave.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. STEVE BUYER (R), INDIANA: We were stunned that the lessons learned from the first Gulf War were not used. So it's obvious that they didn't send anybody with any forms of experience. They didn't even talk to me.
And also, the findings were that they did not have a senior judge advocate that was knowledgeable in international law, operational law, and Geneva Conventions. Those are the findings of the 15th GAP 6 (ph).
So what you have here is this civilian political leadership in the Army is saying one thing, but I can assure you, if you had a chance to talk to the uniformed Army, they would say something different.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Well, in fact, an Army official tells CNN that Buyer was not sent to Iraq, quote, "because there were other people with the experience and qualifications for the job and because of the concern over increased risk upon him and other soldiers around him."
A major coalition military offensive is underway in southern Iraq. The aim? To take control of Najaf, a strong hold of Shiite insurgents led by Muqtada al-Sadr.
More now from Jane Arraf in Iraq -- Jane.
JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka...
WHITFIELD: All right. Looks like we're having some problem being able to hear and get a clear picture from Jane Arraf. We'll try to revisit that in a Moment.
U.S. military sources tell CNN two top aides to Muqtada al-Sadr were arrested in a raid outside his headquarters. One of the two was his chief financial adviser. The sources say the two men were captured without shots being fired because they were taken by surprise.
A new political crisis is unfolding in the troubled Russian republic of Chechnya. A bomb blast has killed the Chechen president, Akhmad Kadyrov, and at least three other people, including a Reuter's photographer.
We get more on today's attack from Ryan Chilcote in the Russian capital.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The Russian-backed leader of Chechnya, Akhmad Kadyrov, is dead. The Russian president made that announcement himself a short while ago. He said that Kadyrov was killed in today's attack but he left this world undefeated.
VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): During the last four years, the Chechen president, Akhmad Kadyrov, served his nation with courage and dignity. He was, in the real sense of this word, a heroic man.
In all he did with utmost belief, he proved that there can be no equation between bandits and terrorists and the nation.
During all these years he stood for Chechnya and the Chechen nation. He led them towards peaceful life. Akhmad Kadyrov passed away on May 9, on the day of our national holiday, the day of victory, and he left victorious, as well.
CHILCOTE: Now Russian officials are saying at least four more people were killed in that attack, dozens of people hospitalized, including -- and very importantly -- the head of Russian forces in the Caucuses, a three-star general, General Valery Baranov, who was in an emergency ward right now after receiving surgery.
Now this attack took place at about 10:30 in the morning local time. The Chechen political and military leadership was on hand, lots of Russian officers to observe a military parade to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.
The bomb, according to officials, was hidden in concrete blocks directly beneath the VIP stand, where most of the leadership had gathered.
Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Moscow.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: Safe and sound. Thomas Hamill thanks his hometown for its support. We go live to Macon, Mississippi for more details.
Plus, Nancy Reagan talks about how Alzheimer's has taken her husband to a distant place.
The details when CNN LIVE SUNDAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: The wife of the former Iraqi captive Thomas Hamill has his homecoming is the best Mother's Day that she could possibly get.
Now Hamill, who returned home yesterday, is talking about his capture and daring escape.
Mike Brooks is in Hamill's hometown of Macon, Mississippi -- Mike.
MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello to you, Fredricka.
Last evening Tommy Hamill made a statement and answered questions here on the steps of the Noxubee County courthouse. He also talked about how his faith played a role in his escape from insurgents.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THOMAS HAMILL, FORMER HOSTAGE IN IRAQ: I prayed daily, several times a day, that my lord was going to -- he was going to pick a time and a day and a place, and I was going to stick with him until he opened that door.
He opened that door that Sunday morning, and he let me out. And I bounded from the house.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROOKS: Afterward there was a very emotional prayer vigil held here on the steps of the courthouse. Tommy Hamill talked about how his faith played a role in his escape from hostages (sic). He was taken on April 9.
He also talked about the soldiers and the hostages that are still left being held in Iraq.
This prayer vigil has been going on every night at 7 p.m. here on the steps of the courthouse since he was taken hostage on April 9. They said it will continue for the near future because there are still prayers yet unanswered and hostages yet to be released -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And, Mike, apparently the family deservedly wants some privacy. Have they encouraged the community there that perhaps they don't want any kind of parade or anything like that in the near future?
BROOKS: Well, Tommy Hamill last night said he wanted all the attention focused on the people still in Iraq. He said prayers for the soldiers, prayers for those yet to be released.
Earlier today I spoke with his Kellie Hamill's father who came in from Dallas yesterday. He said that they plan on spending Mother's Day together, and he said that -- he thanked the media for letting them have their day -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Mike Brooks from Macon, Mississippi, thanks very much.
Well, back to Najaf, Iraq now. And that's where we find our Jane Arraf. She's on the telephone with us with the latest report -- Jane.
ARRAF: Fredricka, we went with troops from the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment as they extended their territory south of this space they occupy in Najaf.
About a mile south, in fact, they say they found caches of rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.
While out there though, the troops came under sporadic attacks. We had mortars fired around us, rocket-propelled grenades as well as small arms.
U.S. forces say that they killed six suspected members of the Mehdi Army and captured two other ones who are now in detention.
They are continuing today through parts of the city for control of the city and to try to destroy, particularly, mortar positions from where rebels are launching mortar attacks nightly and daily at this base.
At the same time, political negotiations going on with some local leaders to try to solve this stand-off -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: Jane Arraf from Najaf, thanks very much for that report.
Sparing others from the pain. Nancy Reagan's plea to help Alzheimer's patients.
Plus, a mother and a soldier. How one family is surviving while Mom serves in Iraq.
CNN LIVE SUNDAY will be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Nancy Reagan makes a rare public appearance. She appeared last night at fund-raiser for stem cell research and received a special caregiver award.
Many experts believe stem cell research may help Alzheimer's patients. And that's an issue that weighs heavily on the mind of the former first lady.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NANCY REAGAN, FORMER FIRST LADY: Ronnie's long journey has final taken him to a distant place where I can no longer reach him. We can't share the wonderful memories of our 52 years together, and I think that's probably the hardest part. And because of this, I'm determined to do what I can to save other families from this pain.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Well, Nancy Reagan came out in favor of embryonic stem cell research many years ago. At about the same time President Bush signed an executive order limiting research using stem cells.
In other news across America, first to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where evacuated residents returned to their homes this morning after a chemical fire at a U.S. nuclear weapons plant. But energy officials say the blaze did not involve nuclear materials.
Some roads around the area remain closed but are expected to reopen later on today.
A smoking military canister prompted part of a Hawaiian beach to be evacuated. It's not clear how the container with the words "dangerous phosphorous" landed on the beach in Oahu. Military officials have removed it. The beach and a nearby highway are now open again.
The 16-year-old Ohio driver in this pick-up truck -- that one right there -- will live to tell his story. Authorities say the green truck flipped several times before plunging down the 130-foot slope.
The vehicle may have been crushed, but the high school student climbed the cliff to call for help. He is now in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. That's a pretty incredible story.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WHITFIELD: At the bottom of the hour, "RELIABLE SOURCES" with Howard Kurtz. He's got a preview right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD KURTZ, HOST, "RELIABLE SOURCES": Coming up, the media and the Iraqi prisoner scandal. Is the press adding more fuel to an already explosive story?
And calling for Don Rumsfeld's head.
Al Gore's new TV adventure. Is a left-leaning network on the way?
Plus, newsrooms feeling the heat of an FCC crack down on indecent broad casting.
All that and more ahead, on RELIABLE SOURCES.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: And doing double duty.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TUCHMAN: Do you know where your mommy is right now?
CHRIS TAYLOR, SOLDIER'S SON: Yes.
TUCHMAN: Where?
C. TAYLOR: Iraq.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Moms in action far from home. How one family is coping, when CNN LIVE SUNDAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: For mothers in uniform serving in Iraq, Mother's Day is bittersweet. They're serving their nation proudly but are away from their children.
Gary Tuchman has one family's story from southeastern Georgia.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TUCHMAN: Sergeant Sydell Taylor has been deployed in Iraq for one year.
SGT. SYDELL TAYLOR, 301ST FORWARD SUPPORT BATTALION: ... all day, every day. TUCHMAN: And for the second Mother's Day in a row she will be without this young man and this young lady.
(on camera) What would you like to say to your mother for Mother's Day?
T. TAYLOR: I love you, be careful and happy Mother's Day.
TUCHMAN (voice-over): Eleven-year-old Tashara and 3-year-old Chris's father is also serving in Iraq. The children now live with their mother's 15-year-old sister and an older cousin in Brunswick, Georgia.
HOPE LEGGETT, CHILDREN'S GUARDIAN: We did power of attorney. If anything happens, she want me to raise the kids. Tell them that she loved them and they know she was over there for a good cause.
TUCHMAN (on camera): Do you know where your Mommy is right now?
C. TAYLOR: Yes.
TUCHMAN: Where is your Mommy?
C. TAYLOR: Iraq.
TUCHMAN: Iraq? How far away is Iraq? Is it far or close?
C. TAYLOR: Yes.
TUCHMAN: Far? Do you miss her?
C. TAYLOR: Yes.
TUCHMAN: A lot?
(voice-over) Their mother was scheduled to come home next week. Sergeant Taylor told her daughter they were going to Disney World. But then the word her deployment had been extended at least another four months.
TAYLOR: She took it like a champ. She said, "That's all right. We'll just go next summer." But I know she was hurt.
TUCHMAN (on camera): what's the first thing you want to do when your mom and your dad come home?
T. TAYLOR: I really don't want to do anything. I just want to know that they're here and that they're all right.
TUCHMAN: her mother dreams of that moment.
S. TAYLOR: I'm so sorry that I can't be there with you right now. But I will be home soon, I promise. And I love you very much.
T. TAYLOR: Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. TUCHMAN (voice-over): Gary Tuchman, CNN, Brunswick, Georgia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: More to come on CNN SUNDAY. "RELIABLE SOURCES" is next. Today, the Iraqi prisoner story and whether CBS should have delayed airing it.
Then "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER."
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired May 9, 2004 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: It is 7 p.m. in Najaf, Iraq, 11 a.m. in Washington, D.C. I'm Fredricka Whitfield from CNN LIVE SUNDAY.
Ahead, a military offensive under way in Najaf. The latest on U.S. efforts to retake control of the embattled city.
Also the Iraqi prisoner treatment scandal, what Vice President Dick Cheney is saying about the secretary of defense.
And later...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: What would you like to say to your mother for Mother's Day?
TASHARA TAYLOR, SOLDIER'S DAUGHTER: I love you. Be careful and happy Mother's Day.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Young children separated from their Moms on this Mother's Day for the second year in a row. How they're handling the long time apart.
But first, here are the headlines.
A low-ranking U.S. soldier is the first whose trial date has been set in the Iraq prisoner matter. Military policeman Jeremy Sivits of Pennsylvania will face a military court, charged with prisoner abuse. The trial date is set for May 19 in Baghdad.
At least five Iraqis were killed at a crowded marketplace in Baghdad. Police say an improvised explosive device is to blame. Thirteen people were wounded, including six police officers. One of them is reported in critical condition.
The president of Chechnya and at least three others were killed in an explosion in the capital of Grozny. Officials were watching a World War II memorial ceremony at a stadium when the blast went off. Officials say the device may have been buried beneath the VIP section weeks ago when the stadium was refurbished.
Up first, the Iraqi prisoner scandal. An American military policeman involved in the case will face court-martial proceedings in just ten days from now. He is Specialist Jeremy Sivits of Pennsylvania, one of seven soldiers so far to face charges in that case.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY: On 5 May 2004, charges were referred against specialist Jeremy Sivits to a special court martial empowered to adjudge a bad conduct discharge.
The three charges against Specialist Sivits are conspiracy to maltreatment -- to maltreat subordinates and detainees; dereliction of duty for negligently failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment; and maltreatment of detainees.
The court martial, U.S. v. Specialist Jeremy Sivits, is docketed for May 19 and subject to final coordination and approval. The trials will be held at a location within this convention center here in Baghdad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Sivits' father says the Army trained his son to be a truck America, not a prison guard, and he was just doing what he was told to do.
The firestorm of criticism against the Bush administration centers on Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. The administration is pulling out all the stops to defend him under withering political attack.
Suzanne Malveaux has that part of the story from the White House.
Good morning, Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Fred.
Well, arguably, it's one of the most damaging weeks for the president, but the White House is trying to resuscitate its reputation, particularly that of Secretary Rumsfeld.
It was yesterday that the vice president, as well as other top officials here at the White House, participated in a secure teleconference with the president, who's at Camp David.
And after a series of apologies from the president on down, the focus now, they say, of course, is to punish those who are responsible. But senior administration officials say that will not be Rumsfeld, despite the fact that there are many who are calling for his resignation.
Democrats -- in a rare move, Cheney put out a statement yesterday from his office, saying, "As the former secretary of defense, I think Donald Rumsfeld is the best secretary of defense the United States has ever had. People ought to let him do his job." To other reporters, he said that people should get off his back.
Well, that has not stopped the chorus of those who are calling for his resignation and the debate this morning over who is responsible.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEN. WESLEY CLARK, U.S. ARMY (RET.): I think it would be very patriotic if secretary Rumsfeld resigned. But I do think that the issue goes beyond the secretary of defense.
SEN. CARL LEVIN (D), MICHIGAN: I'm not calling for Rumsfeld's removal, because I think that would not represent a change in the direction, a reaching out to other countries.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican, this morning taking issues with Cheney's comments, saying he thought it was inappropriate to say get off his back, or get off his case. He says it's just as inappropriate to say that as it is to call for Rumsfeld's resignation.
He says that the Senate and others are simply asking the tough questions that need to be asked.
Now you should know, Fred, that tomorrow President Bush is going to go to the Pentagon. He's going to get a military briefing by Rumsfeld. It's expected that he is going to stand shoulder to shoulder beside him and give him his support.
WHITFIELD: Suzanne Malveaux from the White House, thanks very much.
CNN will have much more on the allegations of prison mistreatment on "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER." Among the guests, Seymour Hersh of "The New Yorker" and his latest article on the issue.
An Indiana congressman is blasting the Pentagon for apparently failing to send an experienced legal adviser to Abu Ghraib.
Republican Steve Buyer served with the 800th Military Police Brigade during the first Gulf War. He says he was to deploy to Iraq, but the Pentagon nixed the plan three days before he was to leave.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. STEVE BUYER (R), INDIANA: We were stunned that the lessons learned from the first Gulf War were not used. So it's obvious that they didn't send anybody with any forms of experience. They didn't even talk to me.
And also, the findings were that they did not have a senior judge advocate that was knowledgeable in international law, operational law, and Geneva Conventions. Those are the findings of the 15th GAP 6 (ph).
So what you have here is this civilian political leadership in the Army is saying one thing, but I can assure you, if you had a chance to talk to the uniformed Army, they would say something different.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Well, in fact, an Army official tells CNN that Buyer was not sent to Iraq, quote, "because there were other people with the experience and qualifications for the job and because of the concern over increased risk upon him and other soldiers around him."
A major coalition military offensive is underway in southern Iraq. The aim? To take control of Najaf, a strong hold of Shiite insurgents led by Muqtada al-Sadr.
More now from Jane Arraf in Iraq -- Jane.
JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka...
WHITFIELD: All right. Looks like we're having some problem being able to hear and get a clear picture from Jane Arraf. We'll try to revisit that in a Moment.
U.S. military sources tell CNN two top aides to Muqtada al-Sadr were arrested in a raid outside his headquarters. One of the two was his chief financial adviser. The sources say the two men were captured without shots being fired because they were taken by surprise.
A new political crisis is unfolding in the troubled Russian republic of Chechnya. A bomb blast has killed the Chechen president, Akhmad Kadyrov, and at least three other people, including a Reuter's photographer.
We get more on today's attack from Ryan Chilcote in the Russian capital.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The Russian-backed leader of Chechnya, Akhmad Kadyrov, is dead. The Russian president made that announcement himself a short while ago. He said that Kadyrov was killed in today's attack but he left this world undefeated.
VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): During the last four years, the Chechen president, Akhmad Kadyrov, served his nation with courage and dignity. He was, in the real sense of this word, a heroic man.
In all he did with utmost belief, he proved that there can be no equation between bandits and terrorists and the nation.
During all these years he stood for Chechnya and the Chechen nation. He led them towards peaceful life. Akhmad Kadyrov passed away on May 9, on the day of our national holiday, the day of victory, and he left victorious, as well.
CHILCOTE: Now Russian officials are saying at least four more people were killed in that attack, dozens of people hospitalized, including -- and very importantly -- the head of Russian forces in the Caucuses, a three-star general, General Valery Baranov, who was in an emergency ward right now after receiving surgery.
Now this attack took place at about 10:30 in the morning local time. The Chechen political and military leadership was on hand, lots of Russian officers to observe a military parade to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.
The bomb, according to officials, was hidden in concrete blocks directly beneath the VIP stand, where most of the leadership had gathered.
Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Moscow.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: Safe and sound. Thomas Hamill thanks his hometown for its support. We go live to Macon, Mississippi for more details.
Plus, Nancy Reagan talks about how Alzheimer's has taken her husband to a distant place.
The details when CNN LIVE SUNDAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: The wife of the former Iraqi captive Thomas Hamill has his homecoming is the best Mother's Day that she could possibly get.
Now Hamill, who returned home yesterday, is talking about his capture and daring escape.
Mike Brooks is in Hamill's hometown of Macon, Mississippi -- Mike.
MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello to you, Fredricka.
Last evening Tommy Hamill made a statement and answered questions here on the steps of the Noxubee County courthouse. He also talked about how his faith played a role in his escape from insurgents.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THOMAS HAMILL, FORMER HOSTAGE IN IRAQ: I prayed daily, several times a day, that my lord was going to -- he was going to pick a time and a day and a place, and I was going to stick with him until he opened that door.
He opened that door that Sunday morning, and he let me out. And I bounded from the house.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROOKS: Afterward there was a very emotional prayer vigil held here on the steps of the courthouse. Tommy Hamill talked about how his faith played a role in his escape from hostages (sic). He was taken on April 9.
He also talked about the soldiers and the hostages that are still left being held in Iraq.
This prayer vigil has been going on every night at 7 p.m. here on the steps of the courthouse since he was taken hostage on April 9. They said it will continue for the near future because there are still prayers yet unanswered and hostages yet to be released -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And, Mike, apparently the family deservedly wants some privacy. Have they encouraged the community there that perhaps they don't want any kind of parade or anything like that in the near future?
BROOKS: Well, Tommy Hamill last night said he wanted all the attention focused on the people still in Iraq. He said prayers for the soldiers, prayers for those yet to be released.
Earlier today I spoke with his Kellie Hamill's father who came in from Dallas yesterday. He said that they plan on spending Mother's Day together, and he said that -- he thanked the media for letting them have their day -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Mike Brooks from Macon, Mississippi, thanks very much.
Well, back to Najaf, Iraq now. And that's where we find our Jane Arraf. She's on the telephone with us with the latest report -- Jane.
ARRAF: Fredricka, we went with troops from the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment as they extended their territory south of this space they occupy in Najaf.
About a mile south, in fact, they say they found caches of rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.
While out there though, the troops came under sporadic attacks. We had mortars fired around us, rocket-propelled grenades as well as small arms.
U.S. forces say that they killed six suspected members of the Mehdi Army and captured two other ones who are now in detention.
They are continuing today through parts of the city for control of the city and to try to destroy, particularly, mortar positions from where rebels are launching mortar attacks nightly and daily at this base.
At the same time, political negotiations going on with some local leaders to try to solve this stand-off -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: Jane Arraf from Najaf, thanks very much for that report.
Sparing others from the pain. Nancy Reagan's plea to help Alzheimer's patients.
Plus, a mother and a soldier. How one family is surviving while Mom serves in Iraq.
CNN LIVE SUNDAY will be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Nancy Reagan makes a rare public appearance. She appeared last night at fund-raiser for stem cell research and received a special caregiver award.
Many experts believe stem cell research may help Alzheimer's patients. And that's an issue that weighs heavily on the mind of the former first lady.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NANCY REAGAN, FORMER FIRST LADY: Ronnie's long journey has final taken him to a distant place where I can no longer reach him. We can't share the wonderful memories of our 52 years together, and I think that's probably the hardest part. And because of this, I'm determined to do what I can to save other families from this pain.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Well, Nancy Reagan came out in favor of embryonic stem cell research many years ago. At about the same time President Bush signed an executive order limiting research using stem cells.
In other news across America, first to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where evacuated residents returned to their homes this morning after a chemical fire at a U.S. nuclear weapons plant. But energy officials say the blaze did not involve nuclear materials.
Some roads around the area remain closed but are expected to reopen later on today.
A smoking military canister prompted part of a Hawaiian beach to be evacuated. It's not clear how the container with the words "dangerous phosphorous" landed on the beach in Oahu. Military officials have removed it. The beach and a nearby highway are now open again.
The 16-year-old Ohio driver in this pick-up truck -- that one right there -- will live to tell his story. Authorities say the green truck flipped several times before plunging down the 130-foot slope.
The vehicle may have been crushed, but the high school student climbed the cliff to call for help. He is now in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. That's a pretty incredible story.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WHITFIELD: At the bottom of the hour, "RELIABLE SOURCES" with Howard Kurtz. He's got a preview right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD KURTZ, HOST, "RELIABLE SOURCES": Coming up, the media and the Iraqi prisoner scandal. Is the press adding more fuel to an already explosive story?
And calling for Don Rumsfeld's head.
Al Gore's new TV adventure. Is a left-leaning network on the way?
Plus, newsrooms feeling the heat of an FCC crack down on indecent broad casting.
All that and more ahead, on RELIABLE SOURCES.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: And doing double duty.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TUCHMAN: Do you know where your mommy is right now?
CHRIS TAYLOR, SOLDIER'S SON: Yes.
TUCHMAN: Where?
C. TAYLOR: Iraq.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Moms in action far from home. How one family is coping, when CNN LIVE SUNDAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: For mothers in uniform serving in Iraq, Mother's Day is bittersweet. They're serving their nation proudly but are away from their children.
Gary Tuchman has one family's story from southeastern Georgia.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TUCHMAN: Sergeant Sydell Taylor has been deployed in Iraq for one year.
SGT. SYDELL TAYLOR, 301ST FORWARD SUPPORT BATTALION: ... all day, every day. TUCHMAN: And for the second Mother's Day in a row she will be without this young man and this young lady.
(on camera) What would you like to say to your mother for Mother's Day?
T. TAYLOR: I love you, be careful and happy Mother's Day.
TUCHMAN (voice-over): Eleven-year-old Tashara and 3-year-old Chris's father is also serving in Iraq. The children now live with their mother's 15-year-old sister and an older cousin in Brunswick, Georgia.
HOPE LEGGETT, CHILDREN'S GUARDIAN: We did power of attorney. If anything happens, she want me to raise the kids. Tell them that she loved them and they know she was over there for a good cause.
TUCHMAN (on camera): Do you know where your Mommy is right now?
C. TAYLOR: Yes.
TUCHMAN: Where is your Mommy?
C. TAYLOR: Iraq.
TUCHMAN: Iraq? How far away is Iraq? Is it far or close?
C. TAYLOR: Yes.
TUCHMAN: Far? Do you miss her?
C. TAYLOR: Yes.
TUCHMAN: A lot?
(voice-over) Their mother was scheduled to come home next week. Sergeant Taylor told her daughter they were going to Disney World. But then the word her deployment had been extended at least another four months.
TAYLOR: She took it like a champ. She said, "That's all right. We'll just go next summer." But I know she was hurt.
TUCHMAN (on camera): what's the first thing you want to do when your mom and your dad come home?
T. TAYLOR: I really don't want to do anything. I just want to know that they're here and that they're all right.
TUCHMAN: her mother dreams of that moment.
S. TAYLOR: I'm so sorry that I can't be there with you right now. But I will be home soon, I promise. And I love you very much.
T. TAYLOR: Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. TUCHMAN (voice-over): Gary Tuchman, CNN, Brunswick, Georgia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: More to come on CNN SUNDAY. "RELIABLE SOURCES" is next. Today, the Iraqi prisoner story and whether CBS should have delayed airing it.
Then "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER."
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