Elian sends greetings to Castro

HAVANA, JUNE 18. Elian Gonzalez, the Cuban boy still living in the United States seven months into a bitter political fight over his future, has sent a Father's Day greeting to Cuba's Communist leader, Mr. Fidel Castro.

Elian's signature headed a letter from him and his entourage of family and friends in Washington, wishing all Cuban fathers - and especially Mr. Castro - a happy day. ``On this Father's Day, we want to send an affectionate greeting, and a well-deserved kiss, to all of you, especially to one father whom we love dearly for his unrivalled teachings and his infinite love for us, our Commander-in-Chief,'' said the letter, published yesterday a day ahead of Father's Day, which is celebrated on June 18 in the Americas.

The letter, in the ruling Communist party's daily newspaper Granma, was also signed by Elian's father, Mr. Juan Miguel Gonzalez. He has been seeking the six-year-old's return since Elian was rescued at sea off Florida in November following a capsize that killed his mother and 10 other illegal Cuban migrants.

Mr. Castro, 73, is famously secretive about his personal life, but is known to have several children. He fought for custody of his first child, ``Fidelito'', or ``little Fidel'', in the years before he came to power in a 1959 revolution.

Meanwhile, more than 300,000 Cubans marched in the central city of Camaguey to demand the immediate return of Elian.

- AFP, Reuters

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Section  : International
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