Kosovar Islamic leaders urge youth not to go to Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 0 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kosovar Islamic leaders urge youth not to go to Syria, 0, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528b691b14.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 14, 2013
Kosovo's top Muslim leaders have called on the country's youths who have joined rebels in Syria to stop fighting and come back home.
The Islamic Community of Kosovo said in a statement on November 13 that fighting in Syria "has nothing to do with religious principle" and that it only prolonged the life of President Bashar al-Assad's government and the suffering of the Syrian people.
Authorities say some 150 ethnic Albanians are believed to have joined foreign rebels in Syria and about 12 are believed to have been killed there.
The plea comes days after Kosovar authorities arrested six ethnic Albanians suspected of plotting a terrorist attack, including one believed to have fought alongside Syrian rebels.
Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Balkan Service
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
