NewsMax.com. Friday, June 30, 2000

Elian Gonzalez spent his first day in communist-run Cuba hidden from public view Thursday.

He vanished after a brief arrival appearance Wednesday night at Havana's airport, where he looked happy although overawed, Reuters news agency reported.

He stayed with his father, grandparents and classmates in a Havana house where he will be confined for the next few weeks during what Cuba terms his "readaptation.'' Security forces blocked access.

"I imagine he is leading the normal life that any normal boy leads ... returning to daily things, having breakfast, enjoying the intimacy of his family. ... They must all be very happy,'' claimed Aymee Hernandez, a spokesman for the dictatorship.

Later Elian will be returned to Cardenas, where teachers will "carry out the task of converting him into a model boy.''

The regime did not say how it defined "model boy."

Cuban dictator Fidel Castro was not seen publicly, but word on the streets was that he met with Elian's group. "I cannot confirm that,'' Hernandez said, "but our commander in chief must also be very happy.''

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