Stop repression against Amazigh culture, language and land

[John_kab]

Jan 27, 2004
Algeria peace talks 'threatened'
Talks between the Algerian Government and Berber leaders have been
suspended following a disagreement over the status of Tamazight
language.
The Berbers are demanding official recognition of their cultural
identity, especially their language.

Correspondents say the disagreement may lead to the collapse of the
talks between both parties.

The Algerian Government wants to reach a comprehensive peace agreement
with the Berbers before April elections.

Boycott

The BBC's Mohamed Arezki Himeur in Algiers, says although Tamazight
was recognised as a national language in April 2002, the Berbers want
it to be given official status to put it on the same level as Arabic.

The Algerian Government has proposed a national referendum on the
issue.

But traditional Berber leaders involved in the negotiations have
rejected the proposal and have now returned to the Kabylie region to
discuss the matter with the community.

They are expected to give a response later on this week.

The Berbers, who make up about one fifth of the Algerian population,
say they will boycott the April polls if their demands are not met.

Since independence from France in 1962, the majority Arab community,
backed by both the military and Islamist lobbies, have maintained that
Arabic must be

[TsejalUMehraz]

What about this fucking idea of holding a referendum about the status of
Tamazight. Then I claim not less than regional referendums about the
usage of the fucking arabic language! We are sick and tired.
If Kabylia says NO to arabic, then we will have solved the problem
permanently.

Post by John_kab
Jan 27, 2004
Algeria peace talks 'threatened'
Talks between the Algerian Government and Berber leaders have been
suspended following a disagreement over the status of Tamazight
language.
The Berbers are demanding official recognition of their cultural
identity, especially their language.
Correspondents say the disagreement may lead to the collapse of the
talks between both parties.
The Algerian Government wants to reach a comprehensive peace agreement
with the Berbers before April elections.
Boycott
The BBC's Mohamed Arezki Himeur in Algiers, says although Tamazight
was recognised as a national language in April 2002, the Berbers want
it to be given official status to put it on the same level as Arabic.
The Algerian Government has proposed a national referendum on the
issue.
But traditional Berber leaders involved in the negotiations have
rejected the proposal and have now returned to the Kabylie region to
discuss the matter with the community.
They are expected to give a response later on this week.
The Berbers, who make up about one fifth of the Algerian population,
say they will boycott the April polls if their demands are not met.
Since independence from France in 1962, the majority Arab community,
backed by both the military and Islamist lobbies, have maintained that
Arabic must be