Under the rules, the new anthem must reflect the values of all Kosovans,
including the country's Serb minority, which refuses to recognise the new
state

Since declaring independence from Serbia last month, the world's newest
country is still without many of the symbols of statehood.

Among them a national anthem.

Kosovans are being invited to take part in a contest for a new national
anthem.

One of the judges of the competition is composer Valton Baqiri.

He says the song must strike the right chord, reflecting the values of the
whole nation, rather than just the Albanian majority.

COMPOSER AND MEMBER OF JURY IN ANTHEM COMPETITION
VALTON BAQIRI, SAYING:
"The anthem is the main melody of a country and the anthem is
something that makes you stand up proud."

A similar competition was held last year for a new flag and emblem.

Kosovo's declaration of independence last month came almost nine years
after NATO went to war to drive out Serb forces and halt their killing and
ethnic cleansing of Kosovan Albanians in a two-year counter-insurgency
war.

Helen Long, Reuters