The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Greg Delawie, said today that violent extremism derived from dissatisfied, unemployed youth, who lacked the feeling of belonging, are now exploiting social media to add to their number, making the fear spread in a chain manner.

Speaking at a round table organized in Gjakova,  by Women’s Initiative in Kosovo, Delawie said “violent extremists spread stories, messages and ideology to attract individuals but also communities into their orbit.”

“Strengthening of the civil society is crucial for prevention of the social marginalization which feeds this cycle of fear, anger and the feeling of injustice to which extremists are devoted. While we lean on government security and the rule of law to defeat active terrorists, a proactive participation, work on prevention of violent extremism for the future generation, requires from everyone to be part of the solution,” Delawie said.

He added that local communities are the strongest means in the war against radicalization of youth. He said that it should be invested on youth with material resources and important political empowerment. “We should encourage young people to commit to peace, diversity and mutual respect. Education plays the crucial role – at schools and at home- in winning the battle for the minds of the future generations,” Delawie said.