Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan held a "lively, open conversation" on Kosovo and the situation in the North Caucasus on Friday in the Kremlin.

Putin stressed the need to learn the lessons of the Kosovo tragedy and that Russia does not accept unilateral use of force against a sovereign country or the notion of humanitarian aggression, senior Kremlin aide Sergei Prikhodko told the press after the meeting.

Putin praised UN humanitarian efforts in the North Caucasus and expressed gratitude for the assistance of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said Prikhodko.

Russia regards the UN as the only universal international organization, Putin said.

Putin is "satisfied with the very good, working relationship" between Russia and UN leading bodies, according to Prikhodko.

Putin said Russia will try to guarantee favorable conditions for UN humanitarian actions in the North Caucasus.

Annan agreed that the UN is an extremely important organization for the international community and said he is happy to be in Moscow and wants to use the visit to discuss important matters with Russian leaders.

Putin and Annan also discussed the interaction of the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations with UN bodies in the region.

Putin informed Annan about the situation in the North Caucasus, the reconstruction of the Chechen economy, the return of the population to peaceful life and the revival of law enforcement bodies there, said the Kremlin official.

Annan, in his turn, said that Russia's efforts against terrorism are understood and supported, but the humanitarian situation raises questions.

In this context Putin briefed Annan on the humanitarian aspects of the federal operation in the North Caucasus.

The UN chief arrived in Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, which Moscow regards as very important and a confirmation of Russia's leading role in international affairs.