The Associated Press
Friday , April 14, 2000

BETHESDA, Md. –– Juan Miguel Gonzalez told a visitor he was offered $2 million, a house and a job by his Miami relatives if he agreed to remain in the United States with son Elian.

Gonzalez refused, according to former Sen. Dennis DeConcini of Arizona, who met with him Thursday night. "I have only one objective, my son," DeConcini quoted him as saying. "I have no price on my son."

Speaking to reporters, DeConcinci said he asked Gonzalez if he was offered any incentives to remain in this country rather than return to Cuba with Elian, the 6-year-old shipwreck victim who is the subject of an international custody battle.

DeConcini said the father replied that Lazaro Gonzalez, Elian's great-uncle, offered him $2 million, a house, a car and a job. Juan Miguel Gonzalez felt that the money was coming from sources other than the uncle, DeConcini said.

                                    © 2000 The Associated Press