Russia's Medvedev gets cautious welcome from Europe

By Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - European countries voiced hope on Monday that the election of Dmitry Medvedev as Russia's new president would ease tensions and boost cooperation with Moscow despite a vote they said fell short of democratic standards.

Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's chosen successor, won Sunday's election in dominating fashion, with 70 percent of the vote amid high turnout. Kremlin opponents denounced the election as a one-sided farce and monitors said it was neither free nor fair.

Germany and France also made clear the vote did not meet their criteria for a democratic election, but alongside Britain and the European Union they congratulated Medvedev on a victory they said appeared to reflect the will of the Russian people.

"You have set yourself a goal to push ahead with the modernization of Russia," German Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote in a message to Medvedev.

"Be assured that Germany will remain a reliable partner and will do its utmost to develop bilateral ties in all areas," added Merkel, who may travel to Russia this weekend for talks with Medvedev and Putin.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke with Medvedev on the phone on Monday and invited him to France.

"The President of the Republic assured him of his wish, after he assumes office, to maintain relations based on confidence and openness," spokesman David Martinon said.

Britain, whose relations with Russia were strained by Putin's refusal to hand over a suspect in a high-profile London murder, also expressed hopes of better cooperation and said Medvedev should be judged on his actions.