WORLD IN BRIEF : PHILIPPINES : Peace Accord Nearly Set, Rebel Chief Says

The Philippines’ top Muslim rebel leader said that a peace accord with the government is almost complete and that it is time his followers abandon violence in their 23-year-old quest for autonomy. “It is safe to say that we are now on the last and final stage. One last and final dramatic decision on the part of those concerned will suffice to restore peace in Mindanao,” said Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari. He was speaking at a joint news conference with government negotiators at the end of three days of talks in General Santos, a city on the main southern island of Mindanao.