EU sends Russia's Medvedev a barbed bouquet

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Tuesday sent Dmitry Medvedev barbed congratulations on being elected Russia's president, saying the poll had been smoothly carried out, but had not been truly competitive.

The Slovenian EU Presidency said Sunday's election had been calm and peaceful but expressed regret that Europe's main election watchdog had not been able to monitor the poll.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights cancelled plans early in February to send a monitoring team because of what it termed unacceptable restrictions by Moscow.

"The EU also regrets that the electoral process did not allow for truly competitive elections," a statement said.

"The lack of equal media access for the opposition candidates is of particular concern," it added.

But the statement expressed hope that a strategic partnership in political, economic, cultural, scientific and other spheres would be further strengthened under Medvedev.

Big EU states have voiced hope that the election of the 42-year-old former lawyer will ease tensions and boost cooperation in spite of a vote they say fell short of democratic standards.

Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's chosen successor, was elected with 72 percent of the vote. Kremlin opponents denounced the election as a one-sided farce and monitors said it was neither free nor fair.

Russia is at odds with the EU over the decision by many of the bloc's members to recognize Kosovo's independence and has clashed with it over U.S. plans to put parts of a missile shield in central Europe.

But Europe is also mindful that Russia is its biggest energy supplier and, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, is a crucial partner on dealing with the Iranian nuclear question and other global issues.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Richard Balmforth)