)Changing dateline)

Moscow, May 18 (UNI) At the start of the Russia-EU summit today in Samara, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to discuss all problems without any taboos, in his country's relations with the European Union at the summit.

''We want to discuss everything openly and sincerely, without any taboos,'' Interfax news agency quoted him as saying.

No documents are expected to be signed at the summit.

The summit is taking place on the banks of the Volga River, a region where a considerable segment of Russia's industrial and intellectual potential is concentrated. The Volga region also has a promising tourism market.

''Russian citizens have already appreciated all the beauties of this place. We hope that EU citizens will be able to do so, especially as the Russia-EU treaty on simplified visa rules and readmission is due to come into force on June 1,'' Mr Putin said.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the summit could play an important role in helping Russia and the EU achieve new objectives, including the formation of their four common spaces.

Ways to expand relations between Russia and the EU, the formation of their four common spaces and a possible switch to visa-free travel are expected to top the agenda of the Russian and EU delegations' official talks.

The summit may also give the go-ahead to the drafting of a comprehensive agreement on Russia-EU cooperation in science and technology.

Russian news agencies reported that the Russian delegation at the summit was also expected to raise issues such as the relocation of the Soviet Soldier Monument in Tallinn (Estonia), Warsaw's veto on the start of Russia-EU talks on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, Washington's plans to deploy elements of its missile defence system in Europe, and problems facing the Conventional Armed Forces in the Europe Treaty.

The Russian and EU leaders will also meet for lunch to discuss key international issues, including Kosovo's status, Iran's nuclear problem, the situation in Iraq, and ways to settle conflicts in former Soviet republics.

UNI