MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on
Wednesday hailed the defeat of the Nazis in the World War II at
the beginning Russia's Victory Day celebrations, calling for
similar international unity in the combat against terrorism.
   After laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in
honor of Soviet troops killed in the conflict, Putin received
Russian and foreign veterans in the Kremlin.
   In his address to veterans, Putin said vanquishing terrorism
would require a united front.
   "Today, as we build a new system of international security, we
understand how important it is to protect ourselves from the
mistakes of the past," Putin said.
   "Attempts to dictate or to achieve one-sided advantages are
just as destructive for world stability today as they were six
decades ago," he added.
   Thursday's Victory Day holiday is among the most important
dates on Russia's calendar, as the nation mourns Soviet losses,
estimated at 27 million people, that outnumbered those of any
other country. The holiday is celebrated with an elaborate
military parade on Red Square.  Enditem