Kosovo seeks own national anthem

Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008

Kosovo has launched a competition to find its own national anthem, less than a month after the territory declared its independence from Serbia.

The Kosovan parliament says that the anthem should be distinctive, unique and original.

The competition is open to everyone, and the winner will receive 10,000 euros (£7,700).

Kosovo already has a new flag and coat of arms, both of which were unveiled on the day it declared independence.

Notice of the competition was placed in Pristina newspapers.

The Kosovan parliament said the anthem should be between 30 seconds and a minute long, and be without lyrics.

It should also bear no similarity to the anthems of any country, party or movement, or imply loyalty towards any particular ethnic community.

Kosovo has an ethnically Albanian majority, and a Serbian minority.

The BBC's Helen Fawkes in Belgrade says that for Kosovo, having a national anthem is an important part of nation building.

But Serbia, which opposed the unilateral declaration of independence, will see it as another provocative move, our correspondent says.