BY FRANCES ROBLES

 WASHINGTON -- On the advice of mental health experts, the government will
 allow Elian Gonzalez's four playmates from Cuba and their parents to stay in the
 United States for two more weeks, the State Department said Wednesday.
 Two government advisors evaluating Elian said that he needs stability and that the
 continued presence of the children from Cardenas was important for that. But they
 did not mention any benefit from the presence of a Cuban pediatrician, so her visa
 was extended only through the weekend.

 The decision to let the playmates remain came as Havana fumed over what the
 Cuban government said was deliberate trickery and delays in granting visas for
 Elian's three sets of grandparents, including the parents of his stepmother.

 The Communist Party newspaper Granma accused the United States of ``lies,
 deceits and tricks.'' It said a plane had already been dispatched from the United
 States to pick up the grandparents when they learned the visas had not yet been
 granted.

 ``We're a very united family, so this has struck deep in our hearts,'' Elian's
 grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, said at a government-arranged news conference in
 Havana. ``We're going to insist. We're dying to see our grandson.''

 The boy's maternal grandmother, Raquel Rodriguez, expressed regret that she
 won't be in Washington for Mother's Day. Cuban government officials said the
 United States promised to come through with the six travel permits early this
 week so that the extended family could be with Elian during today's court hearing
 in Atlanta.

 ``All I have left is Elian,'' Rodriguez lamented.

 VISAS PENDING

 A federal government source said the head of Cuba's diplomatic mission here was
 notified before the plane departed that the visas were still ``under review.'' Officials
 questioned why anyone would make elaborate travel plans before having
 necessary documents in hand.

 ``No such commitment was given to any particular issuance of these visas,'' State
 Department spokesman Philip Reeker said, noting that the government had
 agreed to rush the request.

 ``And in terms of some of the Cuban government's characterizations, let me say
 that the Cuban government and their spokesmen are well known for some of their
 inaccurate and intemperate remarks. So we will not dignify their charges, nor
 change our position, which is to respect and follow the rule of law in this case.''

 He added that there is no set period for reaching a decision. The visas for the
 children who are currently visiting Elian took several weeks to be approved. The
 grandparents applied last Friday, and his stepmother's father applied Monday.

 The current batch of visitors was expected for just two weeks, to be replaced by
 another group of children. That plan was rejected at Dr. Paulina Kernberg's
 suggestion, according to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

 A teacher who is holding classes for Elian and his friends at the Wye Plantation
 in Maryland has a three-month visa.

 COMFORT LEVEL

 ``What he's comfortable with is the current group of playmates,'' INS
 spokeswoman Maria Cardona said. ``For him to feel part of the group, family and
 environment, it's best for the children to remain.''

 Kernberg and social worker Susan Ley issued their second report today, but it
 was sealed by the federal court.

 ``Overall, it was very glowing,'' Cardona said. ``It talked continually about how he
 feels he's part of the family, played well with others and is adapting well to others,
 the environment and schedule of classes.''

 Asked if the experts cited any troubles or concerns, Cardona said, ``There are
 details in there I can't talk about.''

 At first, government officials had decided against renewing the visa for Elian's
 doctor, Caridad Ponce de Leon. At Juan Miguel Gonzalez's request, her visa was
 extended until Monday so officials could decide whether to prolong her visit.

 Ponce de Leon came under fire after U.S. Customs agents confiscated
 tranquilizers and antibiotics from her as she entered the country. Sen. Bob Smith
 (R-Vt.) jumped into the fray, suggesting Elian was being drugged.

 Cardona said the controversy around the doctor would not play into her visa
 application.

 ``She doesn't have any drugs on her now,'' Cardona quipped.

                     Copyright 2000 Miami Herald