CARDENAS, Cuba, 19 (AP) - The father and grandparents of 6-year-old Elian Gonzalez made a rare public appearance in the family's hometown on Sunday, receiving hugs and comforting words from well-wishers as they await a U.S. federal judge's decision in the boy's case.

Juan Miguel Gonzalez, Elian's father, and the four grandparents were the guests of honor at a 100th anniversary celebration of the city museum in this coastal community, a two-hour's drive east of Havana.

Dozens of Cardenas residents lined up to greet and embrace the five after the museum ceremony.

Elian's Cuban residents have been seen less recently, especially in their hometown. Neighbors have said they appear to be spending much of their time in Havana during the fight to bring the boy back to Cuba.

A U.S. District Court judge in Miami heard arguments in the international custody battle for the boy on March 9 and is expected to rule any day on whether he will let stand a federal immigration decision made in early January to send Elian back to his father.

While Juan Miguel Gonzalez is fighting to be reunited with his boy, Elian's Miami relatives are battling to keep him in the United States, saying they can give him a better life off the communist island.

AP-NY-03-19-00 1832EST

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press

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