"Achtung?" -- Belgium's German-speakers pipe up

By Julien Ponthus and Marine Hass

EUPEN, Belgium (Reuters) - Belgium's forgotten German-speaking community is starting to speak up about the squabbles of compatriots that have left the country in political deadlock for over five months.

The dispute between French- and Dutch-speaking parties has set a new 158-day record in failing to form a government. Belgians who speak German -- a semi-autonomous community of 70,000 -- feel left out.

At a parade in the mostly German-speaking town of Eupen on November 11 to honor Saint Martin, the patron of generosity who shared his coat with a beggar, the carnival mood was tinged with concern and rare shows of patriotism.

As children and brass bands paraded towards a giant bonfire in one of the main town squares, Belgian flags were -- unusually -- displayed on windows, and painted on some people's cheeks.

"It's always about the Dutch and the French-speaking communities and I'm a little disappointed that they don't even talk about us," said Henri Sparla, a senior citizen.

To date the German-speaking community -- most of whom are tucked into the east of the French-speaking region of Wallonia -- has been served well by Belgium's political system of compromises between 6.5 million Dutch-speakers and 4 million francophones.

The kingdom recognizes German as one of its three official languages, the community has its own parliament and education system, and the European Union has described Belgium's German-speakers as one of Europe's most pampered minorities.

Karl-Heinz Lambertz, the community's president, was eloquent about the dispute which in over five months since the June general election has left parties nowhere near a deal.

"In this perpetual musical performance -- or this symphony or this opera, I leave the choice of style up to you -- which is the institutional evolution of Belgium, the German-speaking community is not the composer, nor conductor, nor the first violinist," he told Reuters.

"We only play a marginal role: if you want you could compare us to those who play the triangles or an instrument of that kind of importance."

'NOT GERMAN'

Dutch-speaking Flemings demand more devolution for their region and the French-speakers favor a more centralized state. Some Belgians are worried that the row may tear apart the 177-year old country.

"What makes Belgium is that we speak different languages," said Katerin Bauer, a 24 year-old scout leader. "The Flemish don't consider themselves Dutch, the French-speaking don't consider themselves as French and we are not German."

As children followed tradition to walk through the streets singing songs and carrying paper lanterns, some of the German-speaking adults wondered what they would do if Belgium were no more.

"I wouldn't know where I belong anymore. I speak German and live in Wallonia, where shall I go to? To France, Germany, Luxembourg? I would lose my attachment to what I call home," said father Michael Kempen as his children gathered around the traditional bonfire.