Speaking at a national conference of army officers in Moscow on 21 February, President Vladimir Putin said the current geopolitical situation in the world is complicated and that the global correlation of forces \"is visibly imbalanced,\" ORT and RTR reported. He added that a new international-security configuration has yet to be created. \"We cannot overlook the increasing aggressiveness of very influential forces in some countries of the world and the diminishing effectiveness of international security and conflict-resolution institutions,\" Putin said. \"This is a cause for concern.\" He added that Russia needs a professional, efficient army that \"is able to operate in the new geopolitical environment.\" The global and domestic situations demand a high level of professionalism from Russian officers, including a broad overall outlook and familiarity with international experience, Putin said. He noted that the national conference was the first event of its type in the post-Soviet period. Holding the event marks Putin\'s reinstatement of yet another Soviet-era tradition. (RFE/RL)