22/10/2015
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), on Tuesday 20th of October 2015, has organized the conference entitled " A tale of two cities – radicalism and counter narratives in Mitrovica and Vushtrri".
The aim of this conference, which is part of the project which is supported by the EU Office/Special Representative of the European Union (EUSR), is to raise the awareness among citizens on preventing extremism and contributing to counter narrative to propaganda groups’ extremists in Kosovo. Also, the discussions from experiences in the field with high school students, representatives of media, civil society, the police and other stakeholders on the issue of extremism in Kosovo, with particular focus on extremism.
Minister of Internal Affairs of Kosovo, Mr. Skender Hyseni, was invited for the opening speech where in his speech emphasized that the involvement of society, of all people is a prerequisite for success in prevention radicalism. We cannot remain indifferent towards the data with 300 fighters of Iraq in Syria and towards what dozens have died. Minister Hyseni emphasized that he and his team are working on a dynamic plan against radicalism and religious extremism.
Head of the EU Office/Special Representative in Kosovo, Mr. Samuel Zbogar said that religious radicalism is a problem in the whole world and not only in Kosovo. But Kosovo has shown good example in combating extremism, reacting quickly in cases of specific individuals. Also the state of Kosovo has learned from the practices of countries in the region and already has some experience about combating religious extremism. Promises of those people who tend them rinse their brains to go to war for money and a better life is not true. We must work to show people that education is the only way to a better life.
KCSS Executive Director, Florian Qehaja during his presentation emphasized that we as center ado not connect religion only with extremism. But in the Balkans violent extremism is related to the abuse of Islam. However, according to our assessment this is not the most dangerous area because currently the most dangerous areas remain the Middle East. I think it is time that all segments of society to coordinate their actions in the most comprehensive way to fight extremism together. Through this project we are creating counter narrative about how to confront this problem.
In this conference as special guests were two experts from London, Mr. Ross Frenett - Moonshot CVE and Mrs. Emily Winterbotham from Royal United Service Institute (RUSI) who shared their experience with the participants based on international experiences.
The aim of the conference was also to serve as a platform to gather independent experts from Kosovo, a number of policy-makers, representatives of civil society, Medias, international organizations, security institutions, and religious communities in Kosovo to discuss violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo, which the country is facing, and finding ways and new ideas to address this problem.
