Putin firm on Russia human rights

But he told the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, that Moscow would listen to "objective criticism" of its human rights record.

Mr Putin said Moscow had its own view on the observation of human rights in regions where Russia had its interests - a reference primarily to Chechnya.

Russia has faced international criticism over its forces there.

The president was speaking during Ms Arbour's first visit to Moscow as human rights commissioner.

She expressed hope her visit would establish a good basis for co-operation.

She said she approached human rights "from a legal rather than from a political point of view".

Mr Putin told her: "Russia upholds, without fail, all fundamental human rights standards and all of its international obligations in this area.

"I believe it is exceptionally important that we work together on standards and common approaches in this highly sensitive and very important area."

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