Cuban President Fidel Castro is describing Cuban Americans as a "terrorist mob," declaring that immigrants to the United States are "lured by ostentatious luxury and extravagance," and condemning as "grotesque" an aborted compromise giving Elian Gonzalez' relatives access to the boy.

Castro's remarks, made during one of Cuba's largest ever May Day celebrations, were carried by Radio Habana Cuba, the official broadcasting service of the Cuban government.

At the rally, Castro revealed details of a last-minute proposal from Attorney General Janet Reno to Juan Miguel Gonzalaz, Elian's father. This proposal was made at 10 pm, April 21, just 7 hours before the raid on the home of Lazaro Gonzalez, where Elian was staying.

Castro declared that the proposal stipulated that Elian would be flown to a specified residence in the Washington, D.C., area, that Elian's father would have full custody over the boy (except for the ability to take him out of the country), and that the Miami relatives would also be able to reside at that residence, although in separate accommodations.

Castro described the proposal as "grotesque," amounting to "imprisonment" and "kidnapping," reaching a "new state in the psychological torture of the whole [Gonzalez] family."

Elian's Miami relatives -- believing they were close to an agreement -- were seeking accommodations for both families in the Miami area, rather than in Washington, D.C.

Negotiations went no further. During his May Day speech, Castro stated that before the raid, his government had continually informed the State Department of the existence of "numerous armed men" surrounding the home of Elian's Miami relatives.

Miami police examined the Lazaro home the day before the raid, but found nothing unusual. But this conclusion of the Miami police did nothing to soften what occurred in the early morning hours of Holy Saturday. The INS raid had the appearance of a drug house bust.

Castro claimed "the chief of the commando force" that took Elian from his relatives stated there were "numerous armed men around the house," and that "the resistance to the raid was perfectly organized."

In reality, it is clear from photographic and eyewitness accounts that the raid amounted to a sudden, violent attack on an unsuspecting, defenseless household.

During his speech, Castro also condemned the order of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which allows Elian to stay in the United States until his asylum request is determined. Castro described Elian as a "martyred child," denouncing the appeals court decision as "outrageous, biased and overbearing conduct."

Castro is concerned about the ultimate outcome of the case of Elian Gonzalez. In his speech, he noted that court procedures could continue indefinitely, and that well-known public figures were in favor of the defection of Elian's father, Juan Miguel. Castro cited remarks from Texas Gov. George W. Bush and first lady Hillary Clinton, and he once more took the opportunity to condemn the restrictions "suddenly imposed" upon Cuban diplomats and visitors from Cuba.

Ending his speech, Castro declared that "the war of ideas we have been waging ceaselessly for five long months has made us much stronger," and that the revolutionary struggle would continue "tirelessly."

Previous stories:

Castro cries betrayal

Castro praises U.S. media

Castro advances the revolution

Cuba today -- what awaits Elian