August 31, 2009 - The Daily Star - Lebanon disappearance of Musa Sader

Qabalan: Press Libya to reveal Musa Sadr's fate

BEIRUT: The Arab League and the United Nations should pressure Libya into revealing the fate of Shiite leader Imam Musa al-Sadr, the deputy president of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan, said on Sunday. Qabalan spoke during a gathering commemorating the disappearance of the prominent Shiite leader, “who follows the footsteps of the prophets.” During his speech, he called on the international community to multiply efforts to uncovering the truth behind the disappearance and strongly condemned the actions of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. “You pretend to be allied with the Arabs and with the Africans and for this we ask you to reveal the truth you withhold from everyone,” Qabalan said, addressing Gadhafi. “Our relations with you are not those of friendship but we ask you to reexamine your conscience and ask forgiveness during the holy month of Ramadan,” he added. Sadr and two of his companions disappeared on August 31, 1978 under mysterious circumstances after a visit to Libya.