Transcripts For CNNW CNN Newsroom Live 20170220

It is good to have you with us, we begin with breaking news this hour, the u. S. Secretary of defense james mat tis is÷u in iq is in iraq. The area is terror groups last major strong hold. Iraqs military released the ro video that you see here reportedly showing air strikes. Targets included factories used for booby trapping÷u vehicle zb city has been pounded by ru kus. The group warned civilians could be caught in the cross fire. The u. N. Says upc to 800,000 people live in western mosul, say the children estimates almost half that number are children. Following the story of cnnc Senior National correspondent live in instanbul. You have been on the grounlc in that area, an understanding of what these forces are up against, what will it take for them to succeed, would this be a street by street ÷ubattle . Theres no question about it, george, that it will be street by street, house by house, almost room by room, what we have in the westernsmosul is anywhere between two and 3,000 isis fighters who is wellknown have subbed networks of tunnelsu they will be used taking full advantage of the narrow allies and streets tar in the older parts of the western part of this city,g which will be difficult for tanks and armoured personnel carrier to navigate. In addition to that isiszv wille using its common tactic of suicide car bombings and what weve seen in recent months is increasingly theyre using thesc armed drones. They started them using them at the beginning back in october. Theyve been using them toym create an effect in recent weeks. The actual explosive charges on these drones are relatively small but theyre very disruptive when it comes toym a advancing military forest. In addition to all of that, yes, there have been civilians upzto 800,000 and they are in the cross fire. Its not a question of will, but maybe. They are. But, however,siraq has as many as 100,000 troops to various kind involved in this operation, so i think what well see is an repeat of what happened in the east just more difficult. George . And then the breaking news that we started to show with that jamesp mattis is in iraq. What can you tell us about the significance of the u. S. Secretary of defense of making this first trip there . c its important for the head of the pentagon to go and see reality on the ground. Now, dont forget the general manager and÷u secretary mattis well familiar in the first gulf war, certainly in afghanistan and served in the second gulf war asym well as in the america occupation. He knows the ground well. Now, whats interesting about his current tour is that he seems to bec contradicting President Trump every step of the way. Yesterday he talked about the fact that, no, he doesnt consider the press to be an enemy of the zvpeople. And today before arriving in baghdad. He mentioned he contradicted the president yet again recalling, of zvcourse, that president tru the day after the inauguration when he went to cia headquarters said that United States should have seized iraqic oil and may have a chance to do so in the future. Secretary mattis was having none of it. This is what he said. c all of this here in this room, all of us in america generally paid for our gas and oil all along and im sure that we will÷u continue to do so in e future who are not in iraq to seize anybodys oil. And, of course, that isc gog to be words of reassurance to the iraqis who were annoyed by that and later were also annoyed by the executive order going to the United States. So, secretary mattis smoothing÷ ruffled feathers in baghdad this morning. Another indication of daylight it seems to be the president of the United States and many in this÷u cabinet. Live for us in instanbul turkey where it is 3 05 in the morning, thank you so much. c different time. Well, following a rough week and then a rousing rally among his supporters, u. S. c Presiden Donald trump who tried to turn things around, we are awaiting for a new executive order on immigration this week since trump says the order will benb tailored to the courts ruling that paused his travel ban. Its set to release new guidelines allowing for aggaluar e immigration policies. Interviewing candidates for key position of National Security adviser, hell make theb final decision this week. The president has repeatedly attacked the media. He has questioned the sources the journalists use but now some arezv criticizing the sources t president himself uses. This is after he made a comment about sweden. Our white house correspondent, athee na jonesu has more for u reporter the president s comments at that melbourne rally suggesting there may have been sumter ror incident in sweden on friday night leftu a lot of people all around the world tracking their head. He tweeted that he was referring to a fox news report that aired what that report had to say. Perhaps more committed to accepting foreignp migrants. 2016 alone the country accepted more than 160 asylum seekers, despite having a population of less thanym 10 million people. Only 500 were able to get jobs in sweden, but if these arrivals arent able to work, theyre able to commit crimes. That segment wentc on to include an interview with a film maker who said that the swedish government was covering up all kind of Violent Crimes supposedly being committed byc refugees. We have no evidence to back that up, whats clear is that the president avid watch of cable news and thats where he÷u gets lot of his information from. This lack of precision, the fact that he said something that made it sound like he was referring people scratching their head. You had the former swedish Prime Minister saying, sweden, terror attack, what has hec been smoking. The fact of the matter, the president often would repeat things that hes heard or read without ÷uchecking. And this has become a problem. It shows that the president s words matter and that a lot of people all around the world are listening very very closely toy what the president says. The Vice President of the United States, mike pence, is currently meeting with European Union andc nato officials in b sells. Hes reassuring brussels reassuring u. S. Foreign policy under president t c p. Pence spoke at the consulate on saturday and said stand with europe. So this goes toc cnn, shes li in brussels. Who, exactly, who will mike pence be meeting with today . Ht reporter well, Vice President mike pence is going to begin the day meeting with leader, during thatnmeeting the two will discuss the iran nuclear deal. He was one of the chief architects of that deal and one of thesadvocates of the trip from the United States in which he discussed the deal and she said she was confident out of that trip that the administration would fullyzv implement that agreement. That confidence seeming to be called into question by what the Vice President had to say over the weekendc at security conference casting deep skepticism over the bill. Take a listen. Today the leading ofc terrorism is stabilize in the middle east. Thanks to the end of the sanctions under the joint comprehensive plan of action the plan has additionalc resourceso devote to these efforts . That statement met with silence there in÷u unique. Many people here in europe disagreeing with that sentiment. That t best interest that theyll be fully implemented. Its÷u also drawing criticism f what the Vice President didnt say. Youre talking about europe, of course relations in the United States. Youre talking about the unitmd states close relationship with nato but not once in that speech did he mention the European Union something that officials here in brussels foundc alarmi. The foreign minister tweeting out as much. Theyll be looking for that reassurance that the United States supports out of thec vit with mike pence. Interesting. Erin, the subject of brexit will likely come up in discussions today. Lets listen forc a moment towards u. S. President donald trump had to say about that very issue and then ill come back to you for reaction. Its a movement÷u that is ju sweeping. Its sweeping across our country. Its sweeping, frankly, across the inglobe, look at brexit. Look at brexit, much smaller example, but its still ] of their country and they want to take back control of their lives and the lives of their s families. So erin, what has been the reaction from eu members to what trump had to say there and whats the level of ÷uconcern . Reporter well, that statement really is not sitting well with people here that i was speaking to and i spoke toc on diplomat who told me it was a very signal to be hearing that from the president of the United States on the eve÷u of the Vice President s visit it put him in a awkward position going into some of the meetings. Its not the first time that we heard this is thec u. S. President express support for brexit, with many here interpret to be, at cbest, sort of ÷uapa. Something that came up in dinner last night between the Vice President , mike pence, and belgian Prime Minister. Out of that mydinner, the Prime Minister addressing media saying there is no question of allowing the fragmentation of the European Union, that message was given,c i feel, it was hea, so clearly brexit that was something that was discussed between the two during that dinner is likely to bec discusd during the it. No doubt. Cnn joining us there live from brussels in belgium where it is 12 minutes past 9 00 in the morning. Thanks to you. Now that british lawmakers are set to debate weather to withdr7for state visits. It was triggered by petition that drew more than 1. 8le million signatures. It will be busy debating with qo bills to trigger with article 50. It will take the uk out of the European Union. Max, a pleasure to have you wih us, lets talk about this debate to withdraw President Trumps invitation. That petition reads quite frankly that he should not bin vieted÷u to make an official sf visit it would cause embarrassment to her majesty the queen, pretty direct message hr t hahp hc absolutely. This isnt just a debate. Nothing binding will come out of it, but, you know, justice fumes arezv running high. Theyre here in london, as well. This is an opportunity for members of Parliament Leaving politicians to say whatever they like inc parliament. Theyre protected by parliament privilege. Thats really what were going to to get today. A sense of cfeeling, a sense o venting. A sense of really how donald trump is playing in World Politics right now, particularly, where you consider britain is÷u such a close ally the United States. Also, theyve got this thats going to play out of it today that that relationship is fundamentally important tozv Th United Kingdom and any u. S. President should be welcome. Can politicians separate the character, really, from the position. When it comes to thec physicia certainly red carpets are rolled out in the president of the United States. Lets also talk next about the brexiac bill, this will obviously be a heated debate. The question here, might it be amended the time is obviously of the essence given thesgovernment march 31st target to trigger article 50. Thats right. They had got the bill through the house of commons unamended and it doesym get through the house and they can amend it seems unlikely. Simply because it has not got a majority in the house. But if they make any amendments ey have to send it back to te house of commons. Theyll get a clash for the house of commons over the issue of brexit, they dont want to be of brexit, they dont want to be the one thata brexit from happening. I think there will be lots of debates and it will last a few days. I think ultimate lit deadlinu coming at the end of march, george. Live for us, thank you so much for the reporting. You are watchingym cnn newsroom, the mysterious death has sparked an International Wow and we announcing video the÷u moment he was attacked. Thats coming up. In china, all imports of coal from north korea. Cnn is with anb look with why ts could be a bright side for north korea. Today, unlimited gets the network it deserves. Verizon. mic thuds uh, sorry. Its unlimited without compromising reliability, on the largest, most advanced 4g lte network in america. thud uh. Sorry, last thing. Its just 45 per line. Forty. Five. cheering and applause and that is all the microphones that i have. vo not just unlimited. Verizon unlimited. We have dramatic new video in from japan. It shows the moment the half brother of north koreas leader was attacked in a airport. Take a look here, you see thc highlighted portion of the surveillance video, a woman apparently placing something over his face from behind, then walking off. Suit approaching the ticket counter to seek help. An ambulance was taken tosthe hospital but he died on the way. His mysterious death and straining relations between north korea and ÷umalaysia. Theyre monitoring the investigation and joins us now from well get to those diplomatic relations, but first what more are you÷u learning abt the murder investigation, the circumstances leading up to the death. There are more countries getting involved. Ill try to put you through as clearly as possible. Four new suspects, north korean men are now being huntedzv or wanted by police in addition to that, police says that there are three other men that they want to seek z assist with their investigation. Now, crucially, they say the four new suspects they say have en. They have civilian possibles. They say they left the country on the day of the attack. This, of course, all in addition to the four suspects in custodyv 0 woman carrying vietmanese travel documents. An indonesia woman, concerned Indonesian Citizen andzv malaysn man and north korean citizen, as well. Its worth pointing out,. Where do things stand and how bad could these÷u relations get. The relationship was so amickble, so much so that they havev an embassy, but now the malaysian ambassador to north korea has been recalled in the kantime weve had can. When the thort Korean Ambassador came as we believe hes been identified and hec rd out a statement criticizing and handling of the case im trying to briefly as i ccan. That came with a response this morning thats monday morning from the Malaysian Prime Ministry where they called thez ambassador for discussion about the situation and they also released a statement saying that theyre handling has been completely transparent. Ym theyre working within the laws and the laws of malaysia and theyre well within their right to carry it out which is what the northp koreans had objected to. And then just within the last 30 minutes rosemary, the north Korean Ambassador came outc of the embassy here to read a statement to the awaiting press, huge presence rosemary. And ill try÷u surmise what he says, above all, and most importantly he said that the North Koreans have not identified the northmy korean m as, the half brother. He said that they have identified him purely as his policec said who spent the day actually on wednesday, how to identify him. This gets more and morec intriguing. This is what else the ambassador had to say earlier right here. Take a clisten. Thep letter should be reportable for the murder of our citizen. We have the right tozv result o the ymappeal. The team by south korean media r and byc we demand the meeting with such to reveal the zvtruth. It said that the requested dna to identify the body is without ÷uprecedence. He said that the police are here po lit sizing and and saying we cannot trust the cinvestigatio. Its nearly 4 30 in the iahp hc north korea getting some harsh news that might have a bright spot for that nation. The north korean coal for the rest of the cyear, this move keeping with the u. S. Security council resolution. Here is more north korea, he tells us what would normally be a grim development for the country might benefit many North Koreans. The news out ofko china that they wont be buying any more north korean coal for the rest of the year is certainly a blow to the countrys government because selling coal to china÷us one of the main ways north korea generates hard cash, currency, currency to pay for things like their Nuclear Program and missile program. Here on thep streets, there may be a Silver Lining to this announcement. Because over the past year since coal exports have been restricted, people have moreht electricity in the morning when theyre getting work for the work. In the evening when theyre cooking dinner with their family. If you look at the skyline now versus ac year or two ago, you see a lot more lights on than you did before. And so the fact that theres more coal being kept inside the country mayc be a good thing i regards to the peoples Living Standards here. I spoke with economist who says china accounts for 70 of north korean trade. He says the suspension of coal exports will not have a dramatic effect on life here in north korea. The sanctionsp in are not slowing down nuclear and were going faster, were increasing our National Defense with nuclear at÷u the core. Other economists say this country is lived under heavy sanctions for decade. Slow economic growthc has continued. Look at the people on the streets, they have new clothing, theyre carrying smartphones, the question moving forward, if tzis growth sustainable as the Economic News continues to tighten. Officials here in north korea say nothing will stop them from developing their÷u missiles and their Nuclear Programs. Cnn, north korea. Thank you so much. U. S. Senators are taking the first step for an investigation into russias pledged role in the u. S. Election. How the Trumps Administration is responding next. How theyre responding to a new it was announced by russia, but some well be back in a moment. A warm welcome back to have you here in the United States, of course all around the world and rosemary church. Im george howell, youre good to have you with us, the headlines were following for you this hour, theyre questioning how u. S. Donald trump getsp his information. By falsely claiming that there has been an incident in sweden friday night. He later clarified, he was referencing ac fox news trgs v segment here in the United States. Its critical of immigrants in sweden. James mattis is÷u now in ira as the battle to drive isis from who mosul rages on. That area is isiss last strong hold in thezv country. Federal police say on day one of the offensive, they killed 79 isis fighters, destroyed weapons facility and c well show you some dramatic view here, it shows an explosion near bullfighting rig in the columbian capitol. At least a dozen suspects areymn custody for this. Police saying 31 people were wounded in sundays last police officers. Bullfighting haszv only returne after being effectively banned since 2012. In the United States senators are asking the Trump Administration to saveu any records on contacts with russia. Theyre hoping to use those documents in a possible investigation. President trump denies russia intervened in the u. S. ÷u electi on his behalf and ryan noble has more. The. Reporter theyr sending more than a dozen letters to organizations and individuals connected to the Trump Administration telling them preserve records related toc russia. It is among the clearer signs yet it will be bipartisan investigation into the russian governments attempt to interfere in the recent f2tarential election. It comes after briefing, republicans and democratic members of congress by fbi director. It was after that meeting which remainy secret that republicans senator marco rubio tweeted confidence there will be a bipartisan probe into the issue. Now, up untilc now the Senate Intelligence chair of North Carolina has been reluctant to take that step, despite the push by ranking democrat ofu virgin. The white house denied that the letters have been sent but push backen the idea that it was a big deal saying that just because the records were requested doesnt mean they will reveal anything. The president himself is forcefully defended the validity of his win and has worked hard to downplay anyym attempt or suggestion russia intervened on his behalf. Cnn, washington. Thank you for the report. Zv Donald Trumps relationship with russia made may be turning cold now. Some of his people in his administration have spoken out against russia. Earlier i spoke with theko director of center of Politics University of virginia about his rocky relationship with russia. President trump is right on the edge of havingc the worst both worlds. On one hand he has been trying, apparently r for reset with russia, as you point out, russia has beenc concerned by some of the things that not just mr. Trump but others in his administration have been saying in the firing of general flynn. Well, itsc also true that he does want better relations with russia and yet because of all these controversies he may not be able to get it. so its difficult situation and its hard for americans to interpret and it is going to be Major Investigation of general flynn and other contacts of the Trump Campaign and government may have had with russia over the past year or so. Well, new cease firec for Eastern Ukraine was due to take effect at midnight local time. But the region has seen a spike in violencesin recent months and Ukrainian Armed forces and the president of ukraine has been talking tough about vladimirc putins latest move. Here is more from moscow. Claire, we discussed last out cease fire÷u in the past have failed before Eastern Ukraine, why should this be any different . Reporter ymxl and since this they havent been able to implement. Weve seen spike in violence, the latest onec over the last particularly syria. As to how this theyre going about 10. 5 hours and now we hurt in the last couple of hours in the headym of the Organization Security and corporations in europe and theyre monitoring anything, this is what he told us about how i 9 going. This weekend along, we haveg touted all however. To know that midnight that it has beenzv significant and beenp until now heavy weapons remainn on both sides and it shouldnt be and positions of the Ukraine Armed forces and information from the other side are too close toc one another. c in the political fear as well. On the same day this cease fire and executive order inc russia ordering the to recognize other documents of ukrainian in these separatist regions and yet, that ala violation of international law. It was further evidence of russian occupation. Andr youve got it from the u embassy, basically the recognition of documents at the publix pubc and contradicts goals. We have a volatile situation where you say the cease fire has started, but even before that, the two sidesc were draining eh other for violating terms and i think theres a lot at stake on the ground and Eastern Ukraine who experienced÷u so much violee over the last few years. And there is some speculations, too, that the det spike in violence in Eastern Ukraine and, indeed,÷u this new cease fire believed to be a test for new u. S. Administration President Trump, is there any cth. You want you want to close the ties and you might consider recognizingc crimea. You have Vice President mike pence over the weekend saying russia needs to be held to account ukraine. With a level of defiance herecn russia for certain politicians wanted to take it out tweeting over the weekend, the recognition of these÷u document is russia letting it be understood putting pressure on the ukraine with that from mike pence will not yield cresults. This is a key Sticking Point in that÷u relationship. 11 40 in the morning, many thanks for joining us withzv th live report. Appreciate it. Coming up, a ruin, it became up for Human Trafficking, well have more on that storyc as c newsroom returns. All this week the cnn freedom project is looking at stories of Human Trafficking in places that most not like expect to findd8 it. Todays segment shines the light on men who are traffic to remote part of scotland. They were forced to work 22 hours a day in a hotelym with n pay for months on end, now theyre free, but dont expect a happy ending here. My in west scotland atracked hundreds ofb tourists every yea. Up until a couple of years ago, many would have stayed at 37 Bedroom Hotel which now lieszv ruin in his serving in prison sent for labor trafficking. Local charity work rememberjc when you first landed the case. My attention clate. Exploitation Human Trafficking, the rocket are reallyz npure. Its hard to tell whats coming here and werent paid properly. They werent employed to do the job that theyzv contracted for. They were working really long hours. Up to 22 hours a day and forced to do all andym not just be, wi what theyve got a lot of work to do. After the familyzv sitting bk home bangladesh was attracted in the local paper advertising chef work in the÷u u. K. P i want to do, you know, the better life. Every human beingp wants. Once the men realize the reality of the work was very different to what theyve been promised, they found bound toc Employer Paid him thousands of dollars to sponsorship visas. Because he has the power anq sponsored this place. He can do anything. And havec to visit and becausec it is just like it. After a year of labor abuse ha, died and three of the other victims are held at local charity. Where jim was working at the c time. It was probably a dozen men, they had agreed to come and be supportive aj then also to go to the police and have a case prosecute him. The trafficked men said they were able to stayc on short te after testifying as witnesses in the criminal investigation into it. And now facemy deportation backo bangladesh. Despite the imprisonment he said he still feels that his life would be under threat if hec returned u chome. The u. K. Has a proud history to those who need it. Anyone who fea that they will be a threat by returning to the home country is able to apply for asylum. Each claim is carefully considered on its individualc merits. And former colleagues are negotiating their appeal to remain in the u. K. And to bring thec families zvu ÷uthere. It was physical torture, mental torture,zv i was working4 hours a day, he said. He didnt fall through the cracks in the system and argued here, there is no system. P hong kong has no specific laws crimin criminalizing or forced humanu trafficking. c. Cnn is teaming up with young people all around the globe for da modern day slavery for my march of my freedom day on march 14th. Driving my freedom day is simplm question, what does freedom mean to you. Let your answers be a texto photo across social media. And coming up, Southern California recovers after deadly storm, how floodsc could threan other parts. If you have medicare parts a and b and want more coverage, guess what . You could apply for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan whenever you want. No enrollment window. No waiting to apply. That means now may be a great time to shop for an aarp Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company. Medicare doesnt cover everything. And like all standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, these help cover some of what medicare doesnt pay. So dont wait. Call now to request your free decision guide. It could help you find the aarp Medicare Supplement plan that works for you. These types of plans have no networks, so you get to choose any doctor who accepts medicare patients. Rates are competitive, and theyre the only plans of their kind endorsed by aarp. Remember these plans let you apply all year round. So call today. Because nows the perfect time to learn more. Go long. Today, unlimited gets the netwverizon. Eserves. mic thuds uh, sorry. Its unlimited without compromising reliability, on the largest, most advanced 4g lte network in america. thud uh. Sorry, last thing. Its just 45 per line. Forty. Five. cheering and applause and that is all the microphones that i have. vo not just unlimited. Verizon unlimited. We are following Severe Weather playing out in central yrn derrick, whats happening. Reporter yeah, rosy and george this is new information to cnn coming in from the National Weather service, the potential of ap tornado that is looks or appears to have damage 40 homes in and around the Greater San Antonio region. He past three hours across san antonio, certainly a line of thunderstorms progress east ward across the city, again, within the past couple of hours. Difficult to sayht exactly the moment when this potential tornado struck, but something were going to continue to monitor and pass along information to you at home as soon as we know a bit more. But, again, this is coming from the National Weather service potential for what was the damage to upwards of 40 homes in and aroundko san antonio becaus of a tornado. Now, that is not the only major weather story that were covering here, the cnn World Weather center. We are seeingzv the potential f a major flooding event across central and Northern California, so extremely ak tef across the United States to say theu leas. Mother nature turning the tap off in Southern California letting the rain dry up in los angeles, ventura and Santa Barbara ymregion, but turning o the faucet, once again for central and Northern California and into the day on tuesday. Place, this is highly concentrated moisture in the upper level that is taking aim at central and northern portions of the state. This is going toc produce a significant amount of rain fall and potential for extensive flooding, despite the National Weather Service Using strong wordingez their discussions today that residents across central and Northern California and need to be prepared to evacuate their home within the 15 minutes orzv less that had t potential to see flooding that has not occurred in years, if not decades across the various. Lots to talk aboutc and cover d lots to monitor Going Forward over the next several days here. Its going to be active period in california and now texas, back to you. We appreciate it. Thank you so much. Thank you to you for joining us. Imu rosemary church. Im george howell. Live from outside the greens in london. Have a great day. Once upon a time a girl with golden locks broke into a house owned by three bears. She ate some porridge, broke the baby bears chair, and stole some jewelry, a flatscreen tv, and a laptop. Luckily the Geico Insurance agency had helped the bears with homeowners insurance. They were able to replace all their items. Including a new chair from crate and barrel. Call geico and see how easy it is to switch and save on homeowners insurance. The terror attack that wasn wasnt. Prompting new questions about the commander in chief. What led trump to tell reporters of an attack in sweden that never took place. And officials are trying to preserve evidence saying dont get rid of documents. And with the new immigration order expected this week, Homeland Security is trying to enforce the laws and how it will be carried out. The impact on the undocumented