US to contact Cuban boy8217;s father on custody rights

8220;We are committed to working with the family of Elian Gonzalez, including the father, and all relevant officials, to achieve an appropriate resolution to this case,8221; Foley said.

He said the regulations of the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service INS 8220;recognise the right of a parent to assert parental interests in an immigration proceeding.8221;

8220;INS officials would contact the boy8217;s father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez, in the near future to explain the process by which it will evaluate his rights in this case,8221; Foley said.

But he again rejected Cuba8217;s ultimatum for the return of the boy, who spent two days clinging to an inner tube in waters between Cuba and Florida after a small craft carrying his mother and others capsized trying to reach the US shore, killing all but three. The boy8217;s mother and stepfather were among 11 people who died when the boat capsized last week.