Putin says WWII lessons should inspire fight against terrorism

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the lessons of World War II emphasized the need for the global community to forge closer cooperation in the fight against international terrorism.

"The lessons of the war should help unite all nations of the planet in the fight against modern threats and the most dangerous of them, terrorism," Putin said at a Kremlin ceremony to accept credentials from new ambassadors from seven countries.

"Russia is conducting a continuous policy aimed at uniting the world community's efforts in that struggle," he said. I am convinced that only by acting together can we create efficient mechanisms that should become the key factor in the progressive development and constructive cooperation between nations in the 21st century."

In the weeks leading up to Russia's May 9 celebration of the Allies' victory over the Nazis in Europe, Putin has frequently invoked the Soviet sacrifice during World War II, when some 27 million people were killed, as inspiration today. Putin has invited dozens of foreign leaders to Moscow for the celebration.

"Our meeting takes place on the eve of a major anniversary: the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II (in Europe). For us, this is the day symbolizing the triumph of people's spirit in the fight for freedom and independence of our nation, for the right of all the peoples of the world to freely choose their path of development."

AP