The issue of national identity is taken seriously by Balkan people – including the least serious among them.
Kosovo Composer Honours Clinton with Musical Piece
Pristina | 16 December 2009 | Shega A'Mula
Bill Clinton in Pristina.
The composer of Kosovo’s national anthem has turned his talents to creating a classical piece in honour of former US President Bill Clinton and his contribution towards the new country's peace and independence.
Mendi Mengjiqi, one of Kosovo's most favous artists and professor at the University of Pristina has named his composition “The Prince of Peace”, a title usually used to describe figures such as Jesus Christ.
Mengjiqi’s homage to Clinton is based on the former president’s decision to support a NATO-led military campaign against Serbia in 1999, in order to put an end to the conflict in Kosovo.
“Clinton has brought peace to Kosovo and the whole Western Balkans. He is part of our freedom and our history”, said Mengjiqi.
“This my modest way of thanking him personally for what he has done for my country, my people and the region. He is the American Prince of Peace for Kosovo and the whole region. May God bless him,” Mengjici added.
Clinton is considered a national hero by Kosovo Albanians. Currently, one of the longest boulevards in the capital Pristina is named after the former president, and a bronze statue of the man himself was inaugurated in the city last October.
Clinton was present at the unveiling, and also gave a speech at Kosovo’s Assembly during the visit.
Mengjiqi’s manager, Ekrem Krasniqi told Balkan Insight that a large gala would be held in New York City to premiere the composition, an event that would bring in many figures of the government, as well as Bill Clinton.
In a letter to Krasniqi, Clinton thanked Mengjiqi for the musical sheet, and extended his best wishes to the composer.
