Lila said 6,921 returnees were Serbs, 4,275 were Ashkali and Egyptians, and 4,419 were from other national communities. He added the majority returned during 2003.
Speaking of achievements in the exercise of minority rights, he mentioned broadcasting in minority languages on Kosovo Radio and Television and the government's allocation of 400,000 euros for infrastructure projects in several municipalities populated by minorities.
Lila said that apart from poverty, the main obstacle to the return of Serbs was Belgrade's policy, which he said prevented them from participating in Kosovo institutions. Representatives of international institutions criticised Belgrade as well.
Despite the progress that has been achieved, the positive assessment of freedom of movement and return of the displaced was marred by incidents such as the burning of a Montenegrin's house in a village near Klina two days ago.
Freedom of movement and sustainable return are the two most important tasks stemming from international commitments and compliance with them will greatly affect the definition of Kosovo's final status.