Arab Socialist Baath Party Founder Disappears in Aley

A founder of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, Shebli al-Aisaimi, has disappeared in Aley, pan-Arab al-Hayat newspaper reported on Friday.

Al-Aisaimi, 87, was last seen on Thursday afternoon while exercising at al-Zouhour street.

“He wasn’t carrying any identification papers or a mobile phone,” al-Hayat said.

Aley residents and his family contacted Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat and several officials to uncover the fate of al-Aisaimi.

“Currently, he isn’t practicing any political activity,” the newspaper said, adding that the man frequently visits Lebanon.

Al-Aisaimi served as assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Socialist Baath party when it was founded under the leadership of Michel Aflaq.

He began visiting Lebanon more than four years ago and stayed at his daughter’s residence in Aley.