1.   Foreigners are a prized target because they generally can fetch high ransoms.

2.   They also worried that paying a high ransom would encourage more abductions.

3.   They also worried that paying a high ransom would encourage abductions of more of their workers that would hobble their businesses.

4.   FARC, as the group is known by its Spanish initials, and other rebel groups often take foreigners hostage, demanding high ransoms for their release.

5.   Foreigners are a prized target for rebels and common criminals because they fetch high ransoms.

6.   Foreigners are popular targets of abduction because they often fetch high ransoms.

7.   Many of the kidnappings in and around Chechnya have targeted foreign aid workers and journalists, who could potentially bring high ransom payments to their captors.

8.   Mesa described the rebels as tough negotiators because of their willingness to wait as long as necessary to get a high ransom.

9.   Her kidnappers asked a record high ransom of five million US dollars.