Vladimir Putin on the importance of anti-terror measures

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed out the importance of working out, between Russia and NATO, of an effective system of "measures to prevent acts of terrorism, cut off financing of terrorists, and secure the inevitability of punishment for terrorists and their accomplices." "Today, the future of Europe cannot be viewed in isolation from global security tasks facing the world community of the 21st century," read Putin's address to participants in an international conference called "The Role of Armed Forces in the Struggle against Terrorism," which opened in Moscow on Monday under the aegis of the Russia-NATO Council. The document was read out by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov.

Speaking about the tasks in question, Putin said the priority was to counteract "new threats and possible threats such as international terrorism." "Terrorism can be fought with the help of joint efforts and complex strategies," read the document. "No doubt the military must play their part in this." Putin believes "Russia and NATO have a potential to cooperate in the struggle against terrorism." "It is this realization that allowed qualitative changes in the framework of Russia-NATO partnership," stated the president. "It is a matter of principle that the anti-terrorist sphere has become an integral part of our strengthening cooperation with the North Atlantic Alliance." "We must not be content with that," stressed the address. "It is our joint task to turn the Russia-NATO Council into a tool of the new structure of security and stability worldwide." The conference is also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, NATO Secretary-General George Robertson, and other officials.