Cardenas, Cuba, Dec 6 (Prensa Latina) Seven years after Cuba began the battle for the United States to return Elian, the country is more united and stronger, said Juan Miguel Gonzalez, father of the boy.

   Gonzalez said the Island is reaping the success of the Battle of Ideas, a program that boosts social and economic improvement.

   Juan Miguel Gonzalez said he was impressed by the preparedness and willingness of Cuban youth to continue the struggle.

   Elian, then 6, was caught in a legal battle between Cuba and the United States in November 1999, victim of human trafficking that his mother did not survive.

   The child was rescued by fishermen off the coasts of Florida and put in foster care with relatives who tried to keep him in that country against his father's will.

   The Cuban people and government immediately and massively supported Juan Miguel and demanded his son's immediate return, which occurred eight months later.

  Elian, now a 13-year-old high school student is deeply involved in the Revolution, said his father.

   The movement for his rescue generated the Battle of Ideas, which today focuses on improving general cultural and living standards.

   Wednesday s celebrations in Cardenas, 93 miles east of Havana and birthplace of Juan Miguel and Elian, involves a march that marks the 36th anniversary of FEEM (Federation of High School Students).

   It also honors the 80th birthday of President Fidel Castro, recovering from surgery, and the 50th anniversary of the Granma yacht landing and founding of the Revolutionary Armed Forces on Dec 2, 1956.

(Prensa Latina)