41.   Also abducted were a Japanese businessman identified as either Kenichi or Senichi Takayama, and two women.

42.   Among those held is Japanese businessman Chikao Muramatsu, who was kidnapped in Bogota last February by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

43.   Among the hostages are the ambassadors of Japan and Bolivia, about a dozen Japanese businessmen and several high-ranking Peruvian officials.

44.   Armed men killed a government engineer and seized four of his companions, including a Japanese businessman, at a southern Philippine beach resort, police said Monday.

45.   At least three Japanese businessmen have been killed in attacks blamed on racketeers.

46.   Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien told Japanese businessmen Wednesday that conditions for investing in his nation have never been better.

47.   Colarina said the local government hoped the visit would spur interest in investment and tourism, so it invited two dozen Japanese businessmen to accompany Onoda.

48.   During his visit here, the Prime Minister is scheduled to have several private meetings with Japanese businessmen.

49.   During their visit, the couple is also scheduled to meet Buenos Aires mayor Fernando de la Rua, cultural leaders and Japanese businessmen.

50.   Efforts to free the hostages, who include Japanese businessmen and Peruvian judges, ministers and police generals, have made little progress since then.