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Elian Gonzalez is stepping into Cuban politics
Onetime child symbol of the US blockade Elian Gonzalez has been elected to Cuba’s congress, writes ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
Elian Gonzalez [Prensa Latina/Cuba]

Elian Gonzalez has the same big, expressive eyes he did 23 years ago when an international custody battle transformed him into the face of the long-strained relations between Cuba and the United States.

Now 29, Gonzalez is stepping into Cuban politics. He was recently elected to his country’s legislature with hopes of helping his people at a time of record emigration and heightened US tension toward its seaside neighbour.

“From Cuba, we can do a lot so that we have a more solid country, and I owe it to Cubans,” he said during an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. “That is what I’m going to try to do from my position, from this place in Congress — to contribute to making Cuba a better country.”

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