But in their first conversation since October, the two leaders also agreed on the need to build US-Russian ties.

Mr Clinton: Keen for stronger ties with Russia

The air strikes "were unacceptable from the point of view of international law, the UN charter, and the principle of partnership and cooperation," Mr Yeltsin told Mr Clinton.

In Washington, White House spokesman David Leavy said Mr Clinton initiated the 40-minute call in which the two leaders exchanged New Year greetings.

"Both presidents agreed that despite differences over Iraq, it was important to continue to build the US-Russia relationship and to tackle the many common problems they have," Mr Leavy added.

Yeltsin sounding strong

The conversation was mostly about items other than Iraq, Mr Leavy said.

Mr Yeltsin reiterated his strong support for the START-II strategic arms reduction treaty already raitified by the US Senate.

Both also agreed on the need for Russia and the International Monetary Fund to work together. And Mr Clinton congratulated Mr Yeltsin on his New Year message in which he reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and economic reform.

Mr Leavy said the Russian president, who has been plagued by ill health this year, sounded strong.

Mr Clinton told him: "It's good to hear that you're sounding so well" and extended New Year greetings to the Russian people.

The presidents also discussed plans for Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's visit to Moscow on 25 January and Vice President Al Gore's planned March talks with Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov.

Russia deplores latest attack

Mr Yeltsin did not mention the US's latest strike on Iraq on Wednesday which followed a reported attack on British jets patrolling a no-fly zone.

But the foreign ministry issued a statement deploring the action and reiterating Russia's position that the no-fly zones were not founded by UN resolutions.

At the start of the air strikes on 16 December Mr Clinton professed a desire to talk to Mr Yeltsin, but instead they only exchanged letters.

Following the strikes, Russia temporarily recalled its ambassadors from Washington and London.