By Michael J. Sniffen, .c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, 13 (AP) - Attorney General Janet Reno today implored all involved in the face-off over custody of Elian Gonzalez to resolve the situation quickly so the 6-year-old Cuban boy "can get on with his life.''
Speaking to reporters at her weekly news conference, Reno repeatedly declined to say precisely what should be the next step in the protracted fight over where Elian should live. But she added: ``The issue at stake here for the federal government is immigration law and federal law should control
this situation.
``The issue is a father who wants his son home and grandparents who want their grandson home and these are bonds that should be honored,'' said Reno, who on Wednesday brushed outside a state court ruling and said any challenge to the Immigration and Naturalization Service decision to return
Elian to Cuba would have to be carried out in federal court.
The Clinton administration initially had set Jan. 14 as the date by which Elian was to be sent back. But Reno on Tuesday said that deadline has been withdrawn in the interest of working out something. Last week, the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee issued a subpoena for the child
to testify before Congress.
Asked today to elaborate on the department's options, Reno said: ``What we're trying to do is make sure the process is clear, that the law is followed, and we will work with everyone to make sure that happens.''
But she went to lengths to voice concern about the boy.
``What should be done here with the little 6-year-old boy is that people let the law take its course and then appropriately work together to see that what the law determines is right is done,'' Reno said. ``I think when it comes right down to it, my hope is that people will look at this little
boy and get him into a situation where he can live a normal life without television cameras and the world in his face. Can you imagine if you were 6 years old and all this was happening to you?''
The attorney general bristled at questions as to whether the federal government would send in federal marshals if necessary to enforce its decision that the child should be returned to his father in Cuba.
``As we have talked about the political process, I would also urge the wonderful media to stop doing what-ifs and stop setting up dramatic confrontations,'' she said, ``and let's not say that there is confrontation that will resolve it.
``Let's say that the court process should take its course and let's see what happens. ... Don't go in and pick up little boys like that,'' Reno added.
``I believe that the people involved in this situation care about the little boy and want to do what's right by him and I think they have also indicated a faith in the legal process. Let's let that happen,'' she said. ``Do you remember when you were 6? There were some days I wanted to run away
from home and there were other days when I wanted my mommy so bad I couldn't stand it. ... I certainly think the experience of most people is that a 6-year-old is too young to speak for himself.''
AP-NY-01-13-00 1011EST
Copyright 2000 The Associated Press |