1.   Previous ELN mass abductions have scuttled talks.

2.   Pastrana was en route to Canada on Sunday when the mass abduction occurred and left Finance Minister Juan Camilo Restrepo in charge.

3.   An army anti-kidnapping unit rescued six of the hostages shortly after the mass abduction.

4.   He accused government-sponsored forces of mass abductions of civilians.

5.   Most of the others had been freed soon after the mass abduction.

6.   Most analysts believe the mass abduction was designed to persuade the government to give greater weight to ELN in its peace efforts.

7.   Published findings of previous committees have not supported allegations of mass abductions.

8.   Published findings of earlier commissions have not supported allegations of mass abductions.

9.   Since the mass abduction, military officials said they would maintain a cordon around the area, but would proceed cautiously with any operations.

10.   The ELN, active in the area, has carried out mass abductions before to raise ransoms and to pressure the government for concessions in peace talks.