The case of Elian Gonzalez was the subject of a number of written parliamentary questions on Wednesday, 26 January.
Replying to questions about the case on that date, my predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Andrews, noted that on 5 January, the US immigration and naturalisation service, determined that Juan Gonzalez, the father of Elian Gonzalez, has the sole legal authority to speak for his son on immigration issues and that Elian should be reunited with his father. Before the decision was made, US officials met twice in Cuba with Juan Gonzalez and satisfied themselves that he had "a close and continuing relationship with his son" and that he was "expressing his true wishes".
On 19 January federal district court action was filed by the Miami-based relatives of Elian in respect of the decision of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service. On 26 January, the administration responded to the court action filing a lengthy motion to dismiss the law suit. I understand that the judge has now scheduled a hearing for the week of 22 February.