Algerian Berbers continue protests against Arabic language law

Thousands of Berbers demonstrated in Algiers on Thursday condemning the assassination of Berber singer Matoub Lounes. They also called for freezing the newly enacted law making Arabic the official language of the country.

The demonstration started from May 1 Square and proceeded to the Martyrs Square in downtown Algiers. The demonstrators chanted slogans calling for adopting the Berber language and denouncing the assassination of Lounes.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the UN said that UN chief Kofi Annan met with a high ranking committee assigned by the UN to study the situation in Algeria. The six-member committee which will arrive in Algiers on July 22 will carry out a two-week mission in the country.

In this respect, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmad al-Attaf said the UN mission will not hold meetings with "the outlaws," in reference to armed Islamists and the officials of the banned Islamic Salvation Front.

Also from Algeria, South African Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs Penuell Maduna described relations between his country and Algeria as vivid. He underlined the key role played by Algeria in the North Africa region. During his meeting today with the Algerian minister of mines and energy, Youcef Yousfi, Maduna expressed great interest in Algerian experience in the field of petroleum exploration and distribution.