arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

``This is the most important summit of heads of state since September 11 and we have had to devise a whole new level of security to take this into account,'' Guido Bertolaso, head of Italy's Civil Protection body, told Reuters.

NATO leaders will sign a partnership deal with the Russians at Tuesday's meeting, giving the former Cold War foe a greater say in areas such as counter terrorism, regional emergencies, arms control and maritime safety.

``It is an historic meeting of global significance,'' said Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who offered to host the signing ceremony after playing an important role in talks with Bush and Putin on setting up the new NATO-Russia Council.