Elian Gonzalez makes first trip out of Cuba after 2000 return

Dec. 9 (UPI)-- Elian Gonzalez has left his native Cuba for the first time since his 2000 return to the country after a high-profile custody battle between the United States and Cuba.

Gonzalez, now 20 years old, traveled to Quito, Ecuador for a youth conference this weekend.

At six years old, he was rescued from the sea after a fatal boat ride from Cuba to the U.S. sank, killing his mother. The U.S. and Cuba engaged in a well publicized custody battle that ended with Gonzalez's return to Cuba with his father.

[CNN]