Migration dominates EU-Russia summit.

(From The Statesman (India))

ASSOCIATED PRESS STRELNA, May 31. - The leaders of Russia and the European Union today focussed on allaying Russian fears about the Western Bloc's eastward expansion and solving common problems ranging from illegal migration to terrorism. "We are destined to work together for peace and stability in Europe," said Mr Romano Prodi, president of the EU's executive Commission, at the beginning of the 11th EU-Russia summit.

Sitting next to the Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin at the news conference, Mr Prodi declared the relationship as complementary as "vodka and caviar - I just don't know which of us is which." The pitch to underline Russia's central role in Europe came amid extravagant tri-centennial celebrations for St Petersburg, founded by Czar Peter the Great as "Russia's window to the West". The three-hour summit was held at the newly restored Konstantin Palace, built by Peter as his "Russian Versailles".

For the first time, the 15 EU countries were joined by 10 joining next year, including eight of Moscow's former satellites.

Mr Putin said many saw the EU expansion as a "new Berlin Wall," further constricting their freedom of movement, as ordinary Russians find it very difficult to obtain visas to enter the West.

"We understand the problems, but the citizens of Greater Europe should know when, how and at what price freedom of movement will be achieved," he said. EU leaders agreed to examine visa-free travel, but only "as a long-term perspective". The EU wants Russia to tighten controls on its long, porous borders first and make Russian passports harder to forge. "In Europe, there is a sense of insecurity," said the Greek Prime ...