By Garrett Therolf. .c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, 19 (AP) - Chanting protesters gathered outside the White House on Saturday to demand that 6-year-old refugee Elian Gonzalez be returned to his father in Cuba.
``Elian is a little boy, not a political toy,'' one sign read.
More than 100 protesters marched through Washington's streets to Lafayette Park across from the White House. Leaders said the Justice Department is not acting decisively to expedite the boy's return.
``The Justice Department has made the right decision that Elian should be returned, but they are refusing to implement it,'' said Lucius Walker, co-chairman of the sponsoring Committee to Return Elian to his Father. ``Elian is trapped in the morally questionable workings of U.S. politics.''
Walker said he believed the Clinton istration is unwilling to oppose Miami's politically influential Cuban-American community, which overwhelmingly opposes the boy's extradition.
Lisa Hall, 43, of Greensburg, Pa, was among many protesters who brought children to the demonstration.
``Custody fights are hard enough when it's just between two parents,'' Hall said. ``It's just plain wrong when governments become involved as well.''
The Cuban boy has been the focus of an international custody battle since he was found clinging to an inner tube off the Florida coast Nov. 25. His mother and 10 others died when their boat sank.
The boy's Miami relatives are fighting to keep him in the United States, despite an order by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to reunite Elian with his father in Cuba.
AP-NY-02-19-00 1656EST
Copyright 2000 The Associated Press |