CNN "The Situation Room" - Transcripts

Interview

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BLITZER: Not over until they're united. All right. Thanks, Ines, very much.

Republican Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey has been very active on behalf of his constituent David Goldman in this custody battle. Congressman Smith is joining us from Capitol Hill.

What do you think about this latest development, Congressman?

REP. CHRIS SMITH (R), NEW JERSEY: This is a very significant development, Wolf. As a matter of fact, I really believe, although we have to have some cautious optimism here, it's beyond that, frankly, that Sean Goldman will be reunited. When the transfer occurs in Rio at our consulate, I do believe David will be able to get on that plane and, after more than five years, be reunited with his son.

You know, we know for a fact and the court deeply appreciates this in Brazil, three psychologists impaneled by the court found that harm was being down to Sean Goldman by his continued abduction, because, you know, the abduction isn't just the day of it, it continues with the retention. He was being hurt psychologically. And every day of delay hurts this young 9-year-old boy. And I think the court has finally got that.

Plus, they are signatories to the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction. So, they need to bring, you know, to live up those obligations.

BLITZER: Now, you went with David Goldman to Brazil.

SMITH: I did.

BLITZER: When did you go with him?

SMITH: It was in February. David asked me to go with him. He had been denied repeatedly to even meet with his son, so we met with several high officials in the Lula government, including members of the Brazilian Supreme Court. Our embassy has worked very hard on this case. They redoubled their efforts.

And one of the -- one of the greatest events I've witnessed as a member of Congress over 30 years, David Goldman got to see his son after 4 1/2 years. And, frankly, it was like they never missed a day. The bond was there, the love was there, and, you know, it became very clear to anyone who had eyes that this dad needed to be with his son.

BLITZER: I interviewed David Goldman here in Washington a couple of weeks ago. He said it was possible he would win this case by this court, but he was really nervous about the appeal that almost certainly would follow.

SMITH: Yes.

BLITZER: So it's not over by any means. The family of the late wife -- they could go forward and appeal this case right now.

SMITH: They can, Wolf, but the court -- the high court will take it up tomorrow. They could have allowed this to just lie until the end of the holiday season, but we're told they will take it up tomorrow, which is a great sign, and frankly, every possible nuance has been appealed by the other side.

Remember, this is an abducting family. They're kidnappers. And yet -- but they come from a high-powered legal family in Rio de Janeiro. So, they've had a great deal of sway with the court.

But once David was able to get the court case out of the local courts and into the federal system, he had a much better shot, and we believe that they -- he has persuaded, frankly, and his expert crack legal team has persuaded the justices to send Sean home. So, we're very optimistic.

BLITZER: Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey -- thanks very much. We'll stay...

SMITH: Wolf, thank you.

BLITZER: We'll stay in close touch with you and with David Goldman to see how this is...

SMITH: And I will be traveling with him. I'll be with him tomorrow.

BLITZER: You're going to go to Brazil with him.

SMITH: Yes.

BLITZER: OK. Well, good luck. We'll stay in touch with you.

SMITH: Thank you.

BLITZER: Appreciate it.

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