Lebanon has called Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi to a court hearing on Shia leader Imam Musa Sadr who was abducted in Libya 30 years ago.

Examining magistrate, Samih el-Haj, has summoned Qaddafi to report to the Beirut Justice Ministry in April, in connection with his alleged role in the 1978 mysterious disappearance of Imam Musa Sadr, chairman of Lebanon's Shia Islamic Council, and two of his aides.

In case Qaddafi fails to report on schedule, an arrest warrant would be issued in absentia in line with Lebanon's criminal law, Lebanese News Agency reported without further elaboration.

In August 1978, Iranian-born Lebanese philosopher and prominent Shia religious leader, Sayyid Musa Sadr, and two of his companions departed for Libya to meet with officials from Qaddafi's government.

They were never heard from again.

Libya has constantly denied responsibility, claiming that Sadr and his companions left Libya for Italy.

Some have reported that he remains secretly incarcerated in the North African country.

His disappearance continues to be a major source of dispute between Lebanon and Libya.

FF/BGH