Appeals says 'No' to Elian's Relatives

ATLANTA (AP) -- A federal appeals court refused Friday to take another look at the custody battle over Elian Gonzalez. <br><br>The 12-member 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for a

Friday, June 23rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ATLANTA (AP) -- A federal appeals court refused Friday to take another look at the custody battle over Elian Gonzalez.

The 12-member 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for a rehearing from the Cuban boy's Miami relatives, who are seeking to keep him in the United States. A three-judge panel of the Atlanta-based court had ruled against the Miami relatives earlier this month.

The decision to grant a rehearing before the full court had to be approved by seven of the12 judges. The relatives could appeal next to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The relatives wanted the appeals court to reconsider the ruling from a three-judge panel earlier this month, which had moved the boy closer to a return to Cuba. But the judges denied that request for a re-hearing.

The next move by the relatives could be an appeal to the U-S Supreme Court.

The appeals court said it will be dissolving its order requiring the boy's father to keep him in the United States. The judges say that order will remain in effect only until Wednesday afternoon.

The ruling says any further appeals will have to go to the Supreme Court.

The appeals court said its stay requiring Elian's father to keep him in the United States will end at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

"Any further requests for stays or for injunctive relief should be directed to the Supreme Court," said the ruling, written by Circuit Judge J.L. Edmondson. He said the appeals court will not grant any further motions for a stay.