U.S. Visas Issued to Cuban Refugee Elian Gonzalez's Two Grandmothers
GENE RANDALL, CNN ANCHOR: A new development in the custody battle over the 6-year-old Cuban boy, Elian Gonzalez. U.S. visas have been issued, so the youngster's two grandmothers can travel to this country from Cuba. CNN's Martin Savidge joins us on the phone from Havana airport with the latest -- Martin.</s>MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Gene, there are a lot of conflicting reports here at the airport here in Havana as to what exactly is going on, but here is what CNN has confirmed. Cuban officials are anticipating the arrival of a charter plane coming from New York. On board is said to be a delegation from the National Council of Churches, including outgoing council president, Joan Brown Campbell (ph). The National Council of Churches has said for some time that it is willing to try and facilitate the return of young Elian Gonzalez to Cuba. Sources confirm to us that visas have been issued to Elian's two grandmothers to travel to the United States. Those visas were reportedly picked up less than a half hour ago, meaning the grandmothers could travel at anytime. According to the U.S. State Department, the plane with the grandmothers will return to New York tomorrow. The remaining question is, what's the purpose of the visit? The grandmothers and the Cuban government both have maintained that the only reason they would make such a journey is to escort Elian home. Reports out of Washington say the purpose of the visit is for the grandmothers to state their case. That had been something the grandmothers said they would not do. In the meantime, the charter flight for the National Council of Churches reportedly has been delayed. Martin Savidge, CNN, Havana.