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President Vladimir Putin: Dear heads of states and governments, dear Secretary General, Ladies and Gentlemen. Six decades of the world's destiny are inextricably linked to the United Nations' activity. The UN dates from the end of the Second World War and is one of the most eloquent symbols of the victory over Nazism.

We remember how belief in ideals such as freedom and humanism rallied the world's peoples in a common struggle. The creation of the UN was civilised humanity's clear manifestation that new destructive wars, and barbarous ideologies preaching violence, agression, and racial superiority, must not be allowed.

Over 60 years, the UN has known both heated discussions and striking contradictions, but became a unique platform for systematic dialogue between nations on how to construct a safer world. Within these walls, many ideas of detente, a common quest, and the bases of a new, non-confrontational world order were launched. Looking back, it is necessary to give the UN due credit.

In new historical conditions, both the UN's experience, authority and supreme legitimacy allow it to play an irreplaceable and unique role in global politics, and economic, cultural and educational cooperation.

Two years ago, I spoke about Russia's basic approach towards increasing the Organisation's efficiency at this same lectern. In this issue, our position remains consistent and unchanging.

Indeed, the Organisation must be adapted to new historical realities. But this process should be a creative one. It should take both UN's acquisitions and the lessons it has learned into account. And it should rally people rather than separate them.

It is only on the basis of wide consent that we can further strengthen the UN's authority and legitimacy, and its ability to answer 21st century challenges more effectively.

I am convinced that today, terrorism represents the main danger to the rights and freedom of mankind, and to the steady development of states and peoples.

In connection with this, the UN and the Security Council should be the headquarters for coordinating international cooperation in the struggle against terror – Nazism's ideological successor.

They must also help coordinate the settlement of deep-rooted regional conflicts on which terrorists and extremists of all kinds breed by using the historical baggage of religious, ethnic and social inequalities.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is necessary to use not only states' ressources but, most importantly, the large opportunities offered by civil society, mass media, cultural and educational cooperation, and interconfessional dialogue to oppose ideologues that preach a clash of civilisations, and terrorist agression.

Who if not the UN can take on this coordinating and organising role? Here it can base itself on the support of all member countries, on the cooperation of influential international organisations, and on regional integration associations.

Russia intends to increase her participation both in the international reaction to crises, and in assistance for development and progress. Next year, within the framework of Russia's presidency in the G8, in the CIS, and the Council of Europe we will continue to work together on this major issue.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

In conclusion, I would like to wish the summit success. And I would like to wish the UN stronger influence and authority over the international community. Let us not forget that the Organisation belongs to all of us, rather than to any one of us. Let us have the wisdom to save it for subsequent generations.

Thank you for your attention.