Pristina, 2 Nov. (AKI) - Former US president Bill Clinton received a warm welcome when he arrived in Kosovo at the weekend. Clinton was greeted by thousands of fans when he arrived in the capital, Pristina, on Sunday for the unveiling of a 3.5 metre statue in his honour.

It was Clinton's third visit to Kosovo, but his first since it had declared independence from Serbia last year.

Kosovar president Fatmir Sejdiu said Clinton (photo) was a “man who conducted the greatest humanitarian action of the modern world for the salvation of the people of Kosovo”.

He was referring to NATO's bombing campaign, which forced Serbian forces out of the province in 1999, and paved the way for independence.

“President Clinton’s contribution to the freedom and independence of the republic of Kosovo, as well as the US contribution, is exceptional,” said Kosovo prime minister Hasim Taci.

“I never expected that anywhere someone would make such a big statue of me,” Clinton told the crowd.

“I want to assure you that president Obama, secretary of state (Hillary) Clinton and the entire American people will be with you also in the future,” the former president said.

The statue portrays the former president with his left arm raised and holding documents with the date when NATO began its air campaign against Yugoslavia - 24 March 1999.

Belgrade still opposes Kosovo's independence, which has been recognised by 62 states, including the US and leading European Union members.