Cuba says it will turn over to US Florida parents that allegedly fled with kidnapped children

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Cuba says it will turn over to US Florida parents that allegedly fled with kidnapped children
April 9, 2013

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba says it will turn over to US Florida parents that allegedly fled with kidnapped children.

Read more: http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/feed/2087408

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(Short article. No more at link.)

[Judi Lynn]

1. AP Exclusive: Cuba says it will give US Florida couple who allegedly kidnapped children

AP Exclusive: Cuba says it will give US Florida couple who allegedly kidnapped children
By Associated Press,
Updated: Tuesday, April 9, 3:58 PM

HAVANA — Cuba says it will turn over to the United States a Florida couple who allegedly kidnapped their own children from the mother’s parents and fled by boat to Havana.

Foreign Ministry official Johana Tablada told The Associated Press in a written statement Tuesday that Cuba had informed U.S. authorities of the country’s decision to turn over Joshua Michael Hakken, his wife Sharyn and their two young boys. She did not say when the handover would occur.

The Hakkens were spotted alongside their boat, Salty, docked at Havana’s Hemingway Marina. Joshua Michael Hakken told reporters to stay away but the family appeared to be interacting normally with each other.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/ap-exclusive-cuba-says-it-will-give-us-florida-couple-who-allegedly-kidnapped-children/2013/04/09/2f3014b8-a158-11e2-bd52-614156372695_story.html

[Iliyah]

2. OK, these people hate the America Government

but flee to Cuba? I'm I missing something here?

[Archae]

3. You expect logic and sense from anti-government crazies?

Especially ones who had been busted on drug charges?

(According to one newspaper, they were making and selling meth.)

[southernyankeebelle]

6. Your not missing anything. They figured they got their own crazy anti-government

groups and they sure do need any others.

[joshcryer]

10. Opportunity. They had a boat.

Cuba has accepted criminal exiles before.

I think this is returning a favor from long since past more than anything.

[Lasher]

4. Take the kids, tell Cuba to keep the parents.

[In_The_Wind]

12. I agree.

[mainer]

5. It really IS the reverse Elian!

Nice to see that Cuba is cooperating with US authorities.

[Judi Lynn]

7. Cuba says it will send back Florida couple who allegedly kidnapped children

Cuba says it will send back Florida couple who allegedly kidnapped children
By Associated Press, Published: April 9

HAVANA — Cuba on Tuesday said it will hand over to the United States a Florida couple who allegedly kidnapped their two young sons from the mother’s parents and fled by boat to Havana.
U.S. diplomats in Havana said in a statement early Wednesday that the two children had left Cuba and “are safely on their way home.” The statement did not mention whether the parents had left for the U.S.

~snip~
Tabladadid not say when the handover would occur, but reporters saw Sharyn Hakken leaving the dock of Havana’s Hemingway Marina in the back seat of a Cuban government vehicle and workers later said that all four Hakkens had been taken away.

An AP reporter spotted the family earlier Tuesday beside their boat at the marina. A man who resembled photographs of Joshua Michael Hakken yelled out “Stop! Stay back!” as the reporter approached, but there was no outward sign of tension or distress between the family members.

Tablada said the Foreign Ministry had informed U.S. diplomats on the island “of the Cuban government’s willingness to turn over ... U.S. citizens Joshua Michael Hakken, his wife Sharyn Patricia and their two minor sons.” She said Cuba tipped the State Department off to the Hakkens’ presence on Sunday and that from that moment “diplomatic contact has been exchanged and a professional and constant communication has been maintained.”

More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/ap-exclusive-cuba-says-it-will-give-us-florida-couple-who-allegedly-kidnapped-children/2013/04/09/a75f971c-a17e-11e2-bd52-614156372695_story.html

[Lasher]

8. Cuba sends American couple's children back to U.S.

U.S. diplomats in Havana said in a statement early Wednesday that the two children had left Cuba and "are safely on their way home." The statement did not mention whether the parents had left for the U.S.

"We would like to express our appreciation to the Cuban authorities for their extensive cooperation to resolve this dangerous situation quickly," said the statement released by the U.S. Interests Section in Havana.

In a late night news conference, the boys' grandfather said the children are safe and on their way home, reports CBS Tampa, Fla. affiliate WTSP.

Earlier Tuesday, Foreign Ministry official Johana Tablada told The Associated Press in a written statement that Cuba had informed U.S. authorities of the country's decision to turn over Joshua Michael Hakken, his wife, Sharyn, and their two young boys.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57578792/cuba-sends-american-couples-children-back-to-u.s/

[dipsydoodle]

9. Couple accused of kidnapping kids booked into jail

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The couple accused of kidnapping their two young sons and fleeing by boat to Cuba has been booked into a Florida jail after being handed over to U.S. authorities.

According to a website for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Joshua Michael Hakken and his wife Sharyn are being held at the jail early Wednesday on a number of charges including kidnapping, child neglect and interference with custody.

Authorities say Joshua Michael Hakken kidnapped his sons, 4-year-old Cole and 2-year-old Chase, from his mother-in-law's house north of Tampa. The boys' maternal grandparents had been granted permanent custody of the boys last week.

Earlier Tuesday, Foreign Ministry official Johana Tablada said in a statement that Cuba had informed U.S. authorities of the country's decision to turn over the couple and their children.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CHILDREN_KIDNAPPED_ARRESTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-04-10-05-16-55

[joshcryer]

11. The US should allow that Cuban 5 guy who's on parole to go home.

His father is dying (if not dead already) and he deserves to go home for it.

Kerry should make this happen.