Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari is due to walk out of maximum security detention in the Philippines today to attend a conference in Saudi Arabia - but a government precondition may yet scuttle the trip.
Although his flight to Jeddah has been booked, Misuari, who chairs the former separatist Moro National Liberation Front, will not be allowed to board his plane unless Saudi Arabia allows Manila to send armed escorts and guarantees he will not be granted political asylum.
Misuari is planning to attend a meeting in Jeddah, hosted by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, which will assess the implementation of a 1996 peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MNLF.
Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza confirmed yesterday that 'departure can take place only if there is sovereign guarantee submitted to the court prior to departure'.
'It's a guarantee from the Saudi government that they will assist in the compliance of the court order which provides some safeguards on Nur Misuari's safety, his safe sojourn in Saudi for the tripartite meeting and his safe return,' he said.
Misuari has been detained since 2002 on charges of inciting an armed rebellion.
