    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [June 1, 2000]
    [Page 1062]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Circuit Court of Appeals Decision in the Elian
    Gonzalez Case
    June 1, 2000

        I am pleased with the decision today of the Eleventh Circuit Court
    of Appeals. As I have said before, this is a case about the importance
    of family and the bond between a father and son. I have supported the
    Justice Department's conclusion that Elian's father, Juan Miguel
    Gonzalez, is the one best suited to
    speak for his child, and I am pleased that the court has upheld the
    Justice Department's determination.

    Note: The statement referred to Cuban youth Elian Gonzalez, rescued off
    the coast of Florida on November 25, 1999, whose custody the Immigration
    and Naturalization Service decided in favor of his Cuban father.