Elian Gonzalez Asylum Hearing Under Way in Atlanta Federal Appeals Court
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Now to our other top story this morning: That's the latest on the Elian Gonzalez matter. At this hour, a federal appeals court in the city of Atlanta is hearing arguments on whether to grant an asylum hearing for the 6-year-old Cuban boy. The outcome could mark a major turning point in the custody battle. CNN's Martin Savidge now live outside the federal appeals court just about two blocks from us here in Atlanta. Marty, good morning.</s>MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you. And it appears that all of those that are participating in the court proceeding today have now arrived, are in place inside of the courtroom here at the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. There is a large crowd -- actually, it is a relatively large crowd of demonstrators on hand. Most of them were cheering as the attorneys representing the Miami relatives made their presence known here. There were also the relatives themselves that made their way into the courthouse. There was also booing that came from that same crowd as they watched Gregory Craig enter the building. He is the attorney for Juan Miguel Gonzalez, Elian's father. The street has been closed here to allow for the demonstrations. For many people, this is the day in court that they have been waiting for.</s>SAVIDGE: Now, the question is, when is this court going to rule? It's a very good question to ask. Those who observed the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in the past say that it has never ruled from the bench, meaning never ruled on the same day that a hearing has been held. And they also say that even on very simple matters, the court has taken days to decide. Of course, in the case of Elian Gonzalez, is anything but a simple matter? Court watchers warn that it could be weeks or even months before a decision is rendered. Reporting live, Martin Savidge, CNN, Atlanta.</s>DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Martin, thank you.