You're reading: France: Russian election far from exemplary

BORDEAUX, March 5 (Reuters) - French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said on Monday Russia's presidential election was not exemplary, joining international criticism, but said France stood ready to work with Vladimir Putin.

Reports by the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) highlighted problems with Sunday’s election, after official results showed Putin won with almost 64 percent of the vote.

"The election has not been exemplary. That is the least you can say," Juppe said during a news conference in the southwestern city of Bordeaux.

"Putin has been re-elected by a large majority, so France, and her European partners, will pursue its partnership with Russia," Juppe said.