Kosovo plans to return those who fought in Syria, Iraq

These and other findings, related to terrorism and the fight against this global problem, are reflected in the American State Department's annual State Report on terrorism in 2017.

It also says that Kosovo continued to oppose the ever-growing threat of terrorism. About 403 Kosovo citizens have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join the militant Islamic State group or the al-Nusra Front, of which about 74 have died, while about 196 remain in these conflict areas.

For their return to Kosovo, the government has a plan, but it is not known when they can return to their homeland.

Lulzim Fushtica, national co-ordinator in Prime Minister for Strategy for Prevention of Violent extremism and Radicalism, says of REL that all those who committed crimes in these war zones will face justice.

“We have plans for the return of persons found in war zones. Kosovo remains open for all its citizens to return to the Republic of Kosovo. However, all those who were directly or indirectly part of terrorist organisations or committed a crime will respond to justice bodies”, says Fushtica.

He adds that Kosovo and no other state is immune to violent extremism.

No state is immune to this global phenomenon, but I cannot say that Kosovo is endangered by religious extremism. We have extraordinary co-operation with the Islamic Community of Kosovo, but also with all other religious communities in the Republic of Kosovo. They are part of our daily efforts and work”, Fushtica points out.

KAS: Kosovo north still troubled

The report also reflects the security situation in northern Kosovo. According to the report's findings, the situation in the north has continued to limit the Government's ability to exercise its authority in that part of the country, although the executive has successfully integrated Serbian judges, prosecutors and staff into Kosovo judicial institutions in October, expanding the country's judicial authority and access to justice for citizens.

However, political analyst Imer Mushkolaj says the north has had ongoing problems in terms of integration of justice institutions. According to him, there has been an inexplicable crawl even after the agreement in Brussels.

Mushkolaj says the current political situation in Kosovo about changing borders, mentioned recently, could negatively affect.

There have been no major efforts and advances, but perhaps solid in terms of improving the situation in the north, however, recent statements and recent ideas, either for the so-called border correction or for the exchange of territories, can negatively influence us and that will bring us back. This will also directly affect the lives of citizens”, he says.

Part of this U.S. State Department report is the neighbouring states of Kosovo. Albania, according to this report, reportedly was a powerful supporter of anti-terrorism efforts and continued its participation in the Global Coalition to defeat the militant group, the Islamic State.

It says Albania, condemns terrorist actions, terrorist financing, conducting transactions with persons on UN sanctions lists, recruiting and training people to perform terrorist acts, promoting terrorist acts and creating or participating in terrorist organisations.

Meanwhile, Macedonia, according to this report, which is a member of the global Coalition to defeat the militant group, the Islamic State, is co-operating with the United States in antiterrorism efforts.

Even Kosovo is a member of the global Coalition to defeat the militant group, the Islamic State, and has allocated 100,000 euros in support of that coalition.