Gaddafi's son in Philippines to meet with Muslim separatists

Dec 12, 2007, 11:16 GMT

Manila - Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi's eldest son arrived in the Philippines Wednesday to hold talks with Muslim separatists in the country's strife-torn south, officials said.

Saif al Islam Gaddafi, president of the Gaddafi International Foundation for Charitable Associations, was welcomed by National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzalez upon arrival in Manila.

During his three-day visit, the younger Gaddafi is scheduled to meet with leaders of two Muslim separatist rebel groups in the southern region of Mindanao.

Libyan Ambassador to the Philippines Salem Adam said the visit was a gesture of Tripoli's support to the Mindanao peace process.

He added that Saif al Islam was keen on extending humanitarian assistance to accelerate socio-economic development in conflict areas in Mindanao.

Libya played a key role in brokering a peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which was signed in September 1996.

It is also influential with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is holding separate peace talks with the government now.

The MILF broke from the MNLF in 1978 due to disagreements on how to proceed with their fight for the establishment of an Islamic state in Mindanao, home to the country's Muslim minority.

While the MNLF already has a peace agreement with the government, some members of the group have again taken arms, alleging that the government has failed to implement the pact.

The MILF and the Philippine government are hoping to sign a peace agreement next year that could expand an existing Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.