Jacpher Posted September 30, 2005 "Castro Is My Friend" Says Elian Gonzalez, Now Aged 11 Source Elian Gonzalez, who was the little boy at the center of an international custody battle in 2000, says not only does he think of Castro "as a friend, but also as a father." The boy was taken back to Cuba after an armed raid on his relative's home. Elian set off a 7 month custody battle after being rescued off of the coast of Florida in 1999 - an attempt to reach the USA in which his mother died. "Despite everything they did, it was wrong, they are (still) my family ... my uncles," said Elian. Since his return to Cuba, Elian has been treated as a hero. Castro had Elian deliver a highly publicized speech on the 5th anniversary of the raid in Miami. In the interview Elian said he told his relatives he wished to return to Cuba. CBS 60 Minutes this Sunday There's go my friend Castro. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites