(8 Dec 1999) Spanish/Eng/Nat
Protests are continuing in Cuba, following the government's demand for the return of a Cuban boy at the centre of an international tug of war.
Elian Gonzalez was rescued off the coast of the United States after a boat carrying fourteen Cubans overturned last month - killing ten passengers.
Elian's mother was among the dead.
The United States is reviewing the boy's right to remain in Florida with his relatives.
But his father in Cuba wants him back.
Scores of protesters streamed through the streets of Havana demanding the return of the young Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez.
They are growing increasingly angry over U-S policies that they say encourage Cubans to illegally emigrate to the United States.
They say visas are hard to come by.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I was about to get down on my knees. I just wanted to go there and come back because I have a grandson there who I want to see before I die. That's why I wanted to get down on my knees."
SUPERCAPTION: Carida Pezor, Visa Applicant
Elian's mother and stepfather were among those killed when a powerboat loaded with 14 people sank during what U-S authorities say was a case of illegal alien smuggling.
Three people, including Elian, survived.
The boy's father, who lives in Cuba, said Elian was taken out of the country without his knowledge.
He is demanding the boy's return to Cuba.
Six year old Elian Gonzalez is at the centre of a Cold War-style dispute in which the standard child-welfare practices have become entangled in politics.
Immigration lawyers and children's rights advocates say an unaccompanied minor, especially one as young as Elian, would normally be sent back to his home country if a competent parent or guardian sought to regain his custody.
In this case, though, the pleas of Elian's father are competing with the complexities of U-S policy toward communist Cuba and Fidel Castro.
Under anti-Castro laws in force for three decades, even a 6-year-old, brought to shore by a Coast Guard is eligible for permanent residency.
If Elian Gonzalez had come from any other country but Cuba, he might be back with his father by now.
No other country is singled out in this way under U-S law.
Two dozen Cuban grandmothers marched in front of the U-S Interests Section in Havana on Tuesday.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The United States is always speaking about human rights, this is a human right. He belongs here he belongs in Cuba."
SUPERCAPTION: Roxane Perez, Demonstrator
Elian Gonzalez is quickly being transformed into a folk hero.
Cubans gathered signing a petition demanding the boys swift return.
On stage one of his young class mates sent out an emotive message.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I want to send him a big kiss and hope that he comes back soon."
Question: "Do you miss him?"
School child: "Yes."
SUPERCAPTION: Elian's Classmate
The communist government has promised to hold mass street demonstrations until the boy is returned.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
