Washington, March 30 (Bloomberg) -- Following is a statement issued by Vice President Al Gore on the custody battle for 6-year- old Cuban refugee Elian Gonzalez.

From the very beginning, I have said that Elian Gonzalez's case is at heart a custody matter. It is a matter that should be decided by courts that have the experience and expertise to resolve custody cases -- with due process, and based on Elian's best interests.

It now appears that our immigration laws may not be broad enough to allow for such an approach in Elian's case. That is why I am urging Congress to immediately pass legislation that is being sponsored by Senators Bob Graham and Bob Smith -- which would grant permanent resident status to Elian, his father, stepmother, half-brother, grandmothers, and grandfather, so that this case can be adjudicated properly. I know that Congressman Bob Menendez has introduced similar legislation in the House as well.

Let us be clear that the real fault in this case lies with the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro. Elian should never have been forced to choose between freedom and his own father. Now we must take action, here on our own shores, to make sure that Elian's best interests are served.

Mar/30/2000 16:05

(C) Copyright 2000 Bloomberg L.P.

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