21/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has set up a Berber-Amazigh friendship group, announced several MEPs from the Greens/EFA group on Tuesday 20 April 2010, a date chosen because it marks the commemoration of the 'Berber Spring' and the bloody suppression of demonstrations in Kayblie in April 1080, explained François Alfonsi, a French MEP from Corsica. The group aims to spread awareness of the Berber identity, an community without a country, whose political, cultural and language rights are not recognised, added Alfonsi. The Berber question should be given greater coverage by the EU in terms of minority rights. In their cooperation with north African countries, the EU institutions and the Union for the Mediterranean should focus on recognition and respect for the fundamental rights of the Berbers, commented Alfonsi. A dozen MEPs have already joined the friendship group. (A.B.)