Supreme Islamic Shiite Council ‘Rejects’ Libya Invitation to Beirut Summit
The Supreme Islamic Shiite Council held an “emergency” meeting on Friday and rejected in a statement the invitation of Libya --which it blames for the disappearance of AMAL Movement founder Imam Moussa al-Sadr-- to Beirut’s Economic Summit, as it warned of the consequences.
In a statement made by Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan, the council said "Libya must not be invited to the summit," scheduled in Beirut on January 19-20, as it blames Libyan authorities for the disappearance of Sadr.
The Council accused the Lebanese authorities of “inaction and failure of shouldering responsibility,” in the case, as it warned of the consequences shall Libya gets invited.
Inviting Libya to the summit has triggered the dismay of AMAL Movement and the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council.
On August 25, 1978, al-Sadr and two companions -- Sheikh Mohammed Yaaqoub and journalist Abbas Badreddine -- departed for Libya to meet with government officials.
The visit was paid upon the invitation of then Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi. The three were seen lastly on August 31. They were never heard from again.
The Lebanese judiciary indicted Moammar Gadhafi in 2008 over al-Sadr's disappearance, although Libya had consistently denied responsibility, claiming that the imam and his companions had left Libya for Italy.
The son of Moammar Gadhafi, Hannibal, was detained in Lebanon in 2015 over the issue.
Source: Naharnet
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