The Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylia, an Algerian Berber group headed by Ferhat Mehenni, has condemned Mu'ammar Qaddafi's March 1 speech, in which the Libyan leader denied the existence of a non-Arab Berber people and accused Berber activists of being agents of colonialism (see "In Overture to Iran, Qaddafi Declares North Africa Shi'ite and Calls for Establishment of New Fatimid State." ) Following is the text of the MAK's statement:

"Qaddafi is [either] ignorant or delirious. This dictator, who has assassinated thousands in his own country and around the world, is a case either for the International Court of Justice or for psychiatric confinement. The most disturbing thing is that he has at his disposal the means to prolong his political madness, which he does not hesitate to put into action, especially in its woeful and grievous aspects.

"The MAK learned with indignation and revulsion of the speech of the misguided 'Guide' [lost] under the sun of the Libyan desert, and condemns with all its force his political rantings. The MAK calls on international institutions to refer his case [to the appropriate authorities] – he who, ever since he took power in a coup d'etat in September 1969, has not ceased destabilizing countries and menacing peace around the entire planet."

Source: Kabyle.com, France, April 8, 2007