PARIS, June 19: In the first of a major series of investigative articles on the disappearance of Osama bin Laden, French daily Le Figaro says that after a long investigation by its reporters, it strongly believes that Osama bin Laden is alive and well and living in Afghanistan.

Although the principal author of the series, Le Figaro’s Renaud Girard cites sources in American as well as French intelligence to back up his claim that not only is Osama alive, also that he’s living in Afghanistan.

Renaud Girard attributes the localisation of Osama to retired Pakistan Army General Hamid Gul, the former head of ISI.

Mr Gul, described by Le Figaro as “close to the Islamic movements,” is quoted by Mr Girard as claiming that as far as he’s concerned Osama bin Laden remained in Afghanistan after he disappeared from public view last November.

The revelation that Osama is undoubtedly still in Afghanistan is supported by a second major Pakistani source quoted by Mr Girard, journalist Hamid Mir.

According to Hamid Mir, says Mr Girard, “If I had to speak, I would say that bin Laden is still very much alive in Afghanistan.