Jimmy Carter: World at "turning point," must commit to peace

ATLANTA, GA -- Jimmy Carter says the world is at a "turning point in history" and must choose policies of peace and human rights over war and suffering.

Carter's remarks on Monday opened a forum of human rights workers hosted by The Carter Center in Atlanta, attended by more than 60 global activists. Carter, now 91, said governments cannot end terrorism and other violence without reducing "excessive state violence." Carter said he'd like the United States to become "the undisputed champion of peace," a place where countries could turn when threatened with war or violence.

The group meeting at The Carter Center plans to develop a document calling for governments worldwide to recommit to human rights. Carter says he will deliver copies to Congress, President Barack Obama and U.S. presidential candidates.