Unitary representations of noncompact quantum groups at roots of unity

Noncompact forms of the Drinfeld-Jimbo quantum groups U-q(fin)(g) with H-i* = H-i, X-i(+/-)* = s(i)X(i)(-/+) for s(i) = +/-1 are studied at roots of u nity. This covers g = so(n, 2p), su(n,p), so*(2l), sp(n,p), sp(l,R), and ex ceptional cases. Finite dimensional unitary representations are found for a ll these forms, for even roots of unity. Their classical symmetry induced b y the Frobenius map is determined, and the meaning of the extra quasi-class ical generators appearing at even roots of unity is clarified. The unitary highest weight modules of the classical case axe recovered in the limit q - -> 1.