Libya closed down its embassy in Beirut on Wednesday, but denied earlier reports about its intention to cut diplomatic ties with Lebanon, a government spokesman said.
"Libya has decided to close its (embassy) in Beirut but not to cut diplomatic relations with Lebanon," Hassuna Shaush said. He added that the decision was a protest against "the inability of the Lebanese authorities to prevent attacks by certain Lebanese officials against Libya".
Earlier it was reported that Libya informed Lebanon that it was severing diplomatic ties following accusations against Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi over the 1978 dissappearance of a Shiite cleric.
"Lebanese authorities have been informed that Libya has cut diplomatic relations with Lebanon," a senior Lebanese official told AFP on Wednesday, adding that Libyan embassy employees were planned to leave Beirut on Thursday.
Imam Mussa Sadr and two companions, a Sheikh and a journalist, disappeared during a visit to Libya on August 31, 1978.
On Saturday, the Imam's followers delivered a petition to the Lebanese government demanding it take up the case against the Libyan government in the international courts.
On Sunday, the leader of Lebanon's Hizbullah movement, Hassan Nasrallah called on Kadhafi to admit responsability for the disappearance of the Imam.
"If he is truly speaking about courage and wisdom...then let him have the same courage to disclose the fate of Imam Mussa Sadr and bear responsibility for this issue," Nasrallah stated. "Kadhafi, personally, knows the fate of Imam Mussa Sadr," Nasrallah told a rally in Beirut's southern suburbs.
Additionally, Amal Movement, which is led by Speaker Nabih Berri has staged memorial rallies during the past three days across Lebanon for the missing Imam. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
