Wireless carriers . Welcome back to countdown. Coming up on todays show, and exclusive interview. Khailamcorder kospi mi talks. Ovsky there is a 50 chance that putins empire will be overthrown in 10 years. The likelihood of success in the next decade is about 25 . So lets bring you first to our top story from sydney, where hostages are being held in a cafe in the heart of the citys financial district. Five have now escaped from the scene. T, Prime Minister tony abbott has just been saying in the last few minutes that the gunman is claiming political motivation. That is the first comment we have had from authorities in australia. What is motivating this siege at the moment . Absolutely. Prime minister abbott did indicate that earlier in the day, that it could have been motivation. The latest we have had is that the gunman has made contact with quite a few media outlets. Some of the National Television stations and also some of the radio stations. They are all claiming that he has asked
Minutes. So when that statement comes, well, of course bring it to you. And of course all of this ongoing in sydney as it comes up on 6 00 local time. This siege going on now for more than eight hours. Im john vause at the cnn center in atlanta. And im natalie allen. We have been with you for several hours, and we will push on as this situation in australia continues. It is breaking news of a siege there in a coffee shop that has been ongoing. A gunman Holding People hostage at the lindt coffee shop in downtown sydney. Sky news has just informed us that the gunman is calling himself the brother, and has contacted a Radio Station and two tv stations via hostages
with demands, a conversation with the Prime Minister and an isil flag. We do know five people have managed to get out. Three men were seen running out two hours ago. Two of them were customers. The man in the blue jacket, the man in the white zirs and a few moments later there was a man wearing an apron who appeared to be a work