French prime minister defends tough stance on Russia over Syria

French Minister of the Civil Service Annick Girardin (L) and Prime Minister Manuel Valls leave the Elysee Palace after a weekly cabinet meeting in Paris, France, September 22, 2016. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

PARIS (Reuters) - French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on Wednesday dismissed criticism from opposition lawmakers of his government's handling of relations with Russia over Syria saying Moscow had an "obstructive" and "unjustifiable" stance on the crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday cancelled a visit to Paris after President Francois Hollande said he would see him only for talks on Syria. That episode has deteriorated relations between Moscow and Paris, but also caused outrage among some conservative, far-left and far-right politicians in France.