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Terrorism: US amb. to Serbia, Balkans, recruitment site

Extremists' entry route. 28 Serbs in Syria and Iraq

20 March, 17:31
(ANSA) - BELGRADE - The Western Balkans are among places of Islamic extremists' recruitment, and the route across these countries is often used to let potential terrorists enter Europe. This strong warning comes from the US ambassador to Serbia Kyle Scott, who spoke in Belgrade today at a conference focusing on prevention of violent extremism in Serbia, organized by the local OSCE delegation. The Isis, the US diplomat said, has a propaganda strategy for the Balkans, using the languages of the region in the social networks to recruit potential terrorists. Scott cited a report by the State Department, underling that in 2015 terrorism has hit 92 countries, killing or wounding tens of thousands of people. ''We are all exposed to the risk of terrorism - the American ambassador said - and we have to be extremely cautious about it and unite strengths in the fight against Islamic extremism and religious radicalization''. Serbia's commitment to fighting against terrorism was also emphasized by the Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic, according to whom 28 Serbian citizens have reached Syria and Iraq to fight alongside the jihadist formations. In addition to constant monitoring to disrupt the recruitment, the government in Belgrade is committed, in particular, to cutting off channels of terrorist financing. The minister said that among the proposals submitted to the EU by Serbia is the creation of a regional centre for the Balkans' deradicalisation, by investing mainly in the young generations.

''Only if we are united we will be able to get results'' in the hard fight against extremism and terrorism, said Stefanovic. The conference - organized by OSCE and Interior Ministry of Serbia, and financed by US and UK governments - was also attended by the head of the OSCE mission in Serbia, Ambassador Andrea Orizio, and the Deputy chief of Mission of the British Embassy in Belgrade, Tracy Gallagher.

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