Taped Plea From American Hostage

A videotape monitored Tuesday shows an American abducted last November by gunmen in Baghdad pleading for his life and appealing to Arab rulers, including Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, to intercede to spare his life.

Roy Hallums, 56, was seized Nov. 1 along with Robert Tarongoy of the Philippines during an armed assault on their compound in Baghdad's Mansour district. The two were working for a Saudi company that does catering for the Iraqi army. Both are missing.

On the tape, Hallums, with a rifle pointed at his head, stated his name and said "I have worked with American forces."

"I am please asking for help because my life is in danger because it's been proved I worked for American forces," he said. "I'm not asking for any help from President Bush because I know of his selfishness and unconcern for those who've been pushed into this hellhole."

Hallums, speaking slowly, said he was asking for help from "Arab rulers especially President Moammar Gadhafi because he's known for helping those who are suffering."

"I also ask that Arab leaders help me in this situation so I can be released as quickly as possible from this definite end," he added. "I would remember this favor for the rest of my life should my life remain and I ask my family to help because my health is in a very bad situation."

In December, his wife, Susan Hallums of Corona, Calif., said she has not heard from the kidnappers.

"I want to plead for his life and send out prayers and hope that he will be released," said Susan Hallums, who is separated from her husband, the father of their two daughters.