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Scottish oilman describes kidnapping ordeal

(CNN) -- Colombia is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, with various guerrilla factions and the military engaged in a long-running battle for control of vast areas of land.

Guerrilla groups commonly use kidnapping to raise money for their operations. The groups have abducted thousands of people but only a few have been Americans or Europeans.

VIDEO Correspondent Karl Penhaul interviews Alistair Taylor under guerrilla control in the mountains of Colombia Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     ALSO Kidnapping is big business in Colombia     MESSAGE BOARD Share your thoughts on the conflict in Colombia

One of them is Scottish oil engineer Alistair Taylor, who has been held hostage for the nearly 20 months by communist guerrillas in Colombia.

National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels are demanding a $3 million ransom from his employers, the Texas oil firm Weatherford International.

Negotiations are going nowhere and there is no end in sight to Taylor's kidnap ordeal. Reporter Karl Penhaul was able to persuade the rebels to allow him an 18-hour visit with Taylor.

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