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STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO

"Good evening. For the last six weeks, we have worked hard to bring the family together with the hope that the family itself could work out a cooperative agreement. Unfortunately, although still possible, that agreement remains elusive.

"An agreement among the family members would by far and away the best solution. It is still a possibility, and we urge all concerned to pursue that possibility. But, it is not in the interest of anyone, least of all Elian, to let this matter drag on.

"Commissioner Meissner and I flew to Miami today to do everything possible to resolve this matter in the way least damaging to the child. To this end , we developed a plan in consultation with two child psychiatrists and a child psychologist. Over the past four days these experts met separately with Juan Miguel and Lazaro Gonzalez. Their objective was to determine, not whether, but how best to reunite Elian with his father in the least disruptive manner possible.

"They provided us with excellent guidance. And I am very grateful to them.

"First, the three experts believe that reunification should take place as soon after the father's arrival in this country, as possible. That is why we asked that Elian be reunited just one week after Mr. Gonzalez arrived here.

"Secondly, they feel it would be best if the reunification took place at a neutral location -- away from the protesters and cameras. That is why we have secured a neutral retreat site near Washington, DC, where the family can meet away from the glare of the media, the public and Cuban government officials.

"And third, they believe it would be best for Elian if either Lazaro Gonzalez, his great uncle, or his cousin, Marisleysis, were present. That is why our letter asks that either -- or both -- of these care givers travel to the retreat site with Elian and be at his side when he is reunited with his father. This will also give the relatives an opportunity to meet privately with Juan Miguel Gonzalez prior to Elian's transfer to his father's care.

"We have provided the relatives and Elian the opportunity to travel to the Washington, DC area and meet with Juan Miguel and participate in an orderly transfer. If not, we have provided them alternative instructions that call for them to bring Elian to the Opa-Locka Airport tomorrow afternoon, where his care will be transferred and he will be flown to the Washington area site to be reunited with his father.

"I think it is obvious and I believe Mr. Lazaro Gonzalez and his daughter care deeply about Elian. I truly believe that. Since his arrival in the United States they have served as loving care givers. It is now up to them to ensure that Elian's transition from their care to the care of his father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez, happens in the best and least traumatic way.

"As I have said before, this case is about a father and his son. It is a bond that is recognized in the law -- and appreciated by every parent around the world. Although Juan Miguel Gonzalez has been separated from his son for four long months, his bond with Elian has never -- ever been severed. I know that because I met with Mr. Gonzalez -- a man who helped raise Elian and make him into the fine young boy he is today. And without any Cuban officials present, I heard his plea in his own words. He loves his son and he wants him back.

"In this last week I have heard so many, reaffirming their faith in the rule of law in this nation. Everyone in this case cares deeply about a remarkable 6 year old boy. A little boy that defines the strength and courage of the human spirit. In the coming days, I urge everyone concerned to think of Elian and to respect the rule of law. "Let us make this community a model for what Castro's Cuba is not. Let us make this community a community where people can speak freely without violence and with respect for each other. Let us not disappoint Elian. Let us come together and let us work a way that will best protect the rule of law and this little boy. Thank you."

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