Latin Grammy Awards Threatened

MIAMI (AP) - Threats of protests by Cuban exile groups at the Latin Grammy Awards next month have organizers concerned about the safety of performers and guests and could result in the ceremony being moved.

Anti-Castro Cuban exiles, who are upset the show will feature artists from the communist island, are balking at having their demonstrations in a designated area three blocks from the AmericanAirlines Arena, said Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, Greater Miami Chapter president for the American Civil Liberties Union.

The impasse is threatening to move the awards to another venue in Florida or perhaps even Los Angeles. Calls Saturday to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau were not immediately returned.

Nick Grossman, president of the Fort Lauderdale visitors bureau, told the Miami Herald that Grammy organizers have contacted him about a possible move. Some 60 Cuban exile groups applied for demonstration permits earlier this week and were told they couldn't get permits in front of the AmericanAirlines Arena.

In meetings Friday with Mayor Joe Carollo, representatives of the exile groups and the ACLU reached an agreement to put demonstrators across the street from the arena. Demonstrators will meet Sunday to decide whether to approve the compromise.