Australia seeks answers on Lahore security

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Friday his government wanted answers about security failings which led to the ambush of Sri Lanka's cricket team in Lahore.

Pakistan authorities have admitted security breaches over Tuesday's attack, in which up to a dozen gunmen fired on the team convoy as it travelled to the Gaddafi Stadium, killing eight people and injuring seven players.

Australian cricket officials travelling with the team have complained that Pakistan failed to protect them and the cricketers despite promises of tight security.

"There's a bit of anger there that we were let down - we had all sorts of assurances before, and I'm sure the (Sri Lankan) team feels that way too," umpire Steve Davis told reporters when he arrived home Thursday.

Rudd said he was aware of the security concerns "and I am unhappy about them."

"I am sufficiently concerned about what has been said by the Australians that we need an explanation, and we intend to get one," he told a radio interviewer.

There were real problems with terrorism in Pakistan, said Rudd, where the Taliban and al-Qaeda had set up safe havens and were using the country to develop their own networks.

While refusing to comment on any consequences for next year's Commonwealth Games in India, the prime minister said he was liaising closely with security and sporting agencies.

"Our fundamental concern for all of our sportsmen and women going overseas is to make sure we have the best possible advice on any security threat to them, convey that to the sporting organisations and make sure we make the best preparations possible," he said.

SYDNEY, Friday, AFP