11.   Guatemalans complain of robberies, ransom kidnappings and a breakdown in the court system.

12.   He also promised to eradicate ransom kidnappings in six months.

13.   He said the amnesty should cover crimes such as ransom kidnapping that are not currently defined as political.

14.   Hostage-takings and ransom kidnappings have long been a part of life in Chechnya.

15.   It resorts to ransom kidnappings and other forms of banditry to finance its operations, military officials say.

16.   Last week, watchdog groups warned that economic progress under the Ramos government would be undermined by rising crime, particularly ransom kidnappings.

17.   Local businessmen have closed shops and staged protests in the past against ransom kidnappings, mostly committed by former Muslim secessionist rebels who have turned to banditry.

18.   On Sunday, Ramos ordered the formation of an auxiliary police force in the capital to help combat rising crime, particularly bank robberies and ransom kidnappings.

19.   President Joseph Estrada promised in June to end ransom kidnappings in six months and launched a high-profile crackdown on kidnapping syndicates.

20.   Salih said police automatically blame Muslim rebels for many ransom kidnappings, often without basis.