"International terrorism has become a very serious new global threat. All civilized countries must join efforts to combat it," said Putin during a military parade on the Red Square, a traditional celebration to mark the Victory Day.

"We are recalling the lessons of the war. We must not forget how it began and why fascists appropriated the right to determine the world's fate, the future of other countries and peoples," he said.

Putin also called for strengthening of Russia's armed forces in battling terrorism.

Victory Day is one of 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 in World War II.

Nationwide parades and celebrations were held in Russia on Friday to mark the Victory Day.

In Moscow, thousands of elite Russian troops, wearing span-new uniforms and carrying polished rifles, marched across the Red Square under the review of Putin and top government officials. At the beginning of the parade, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov reviewed the parade in a silver, open-topped Zil limousine.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2003)