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Philippines Wants Muslim Leader for Trial

The Philippines has rejected a request by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to allow a Muslim leader detained in Malaysia sanctuary in a third country.

Nur Misuari
Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said Friday that the Philippines wants Muslim leader Nur Misuari to be returned to Manila to stand trial on charges of rebellion.

Mr. Misuari, a former governor of a Muslim autonomous region in the southern Philippines, is being held in Malaysia after fleeing last month in the days after a short-lived revolt on November 19.

He was caught on November 24th attempting to enter the Malaysian state of Sabah and is being held on illegal entry charges.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, who is visiting the Philippines with his Indonesian counterpart as OIC representatives, said that Malaysia will hold Mr. Misuari until the Philippines is ready for his deportation.

Under a 1996 treaty, brokered by the OIC, Mr. Misuari agreed to end the fight for an independent Muslim state in the southern Philippines in exchange for regional autonomy.

He was appointed governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, but reneged on the pact when Manila insisted on holding elections for the post in November and backed a rival candidate.


source: VOA News, 21 Dec 2001