The Israeli Supreme Court turned down an appeal by the family of Ron Arad, an air force navigator listed as missing in action. The family was attempting to block a meeting between the International Red Cross and Lebanese captives, Mustafa Dirani and Sheikh Abdel-Karim Obeid.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Obeid and Dirani are currently being held in administrative detention.
Obeid was abducted by the Israeli army in 1989 and Dirani in 1994. Other Lebanese hostages held as “bargaining chips” were released following a previous Supreme Court ruling. But the state insisted that Dirani and Obeid would “threaten” Israel's security if released because they were described as “senior enemy officials.”
The Supreme Court ruled during August 2001 that the government must allow Hizbullah Sheikh Abdel Karim Obeid and former Amal leader Mustafa Dirani to see Red Cross representatives.
Dirani has never been allowed to see Red Cross officials. Obeid has met the Red Cross in the past, but the visits were suspended. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
