Pan-American Games: Cubans make security complaint

CUBA PROTESTED yesterday over security arrangements at the Pan- American Games after a man ran on to the field during their baseball semi- final against Canada on Sunday carrying a banner that read "human rights first." Cuba won the game 3-2 and will meet the United States in the final.

The Cuban delegation hinted that they would take matters into their own hands if there were further incidents, complaining that "not even most elemental measures of protection are being afforded our sportsman in the Games."

A Cuban television commentator said yesterday that he had been attacked by the same man, who had been removed from the stadium by police, as he left the Games media centre late on Sunday night. A brawl followed and the police are investigating the incident.

Since the start of the Games, the Cubans have complained about talent scouts harassing their athletes and attempting to lure them away with promises of lucrative contracts.

Two Cuban athletes, a Cuban journalist and a fourth person whose nationality has not been disclosed have sought refugee status since the Games began.

n The women's high jumper Juana Rosario Arrendel, who became the Dominican Republic's first-ever gold medallist at the Games last week, has failed a drugs test. If the B sample matches, she will lose her medal.