#5
Most Russians believe US operation against Iraq
inevitable - poll
Interfax
Moscow, 6 February: Sixty per cent of Russians are sure that the United
States will launch a military campaign against Iraq in the near future. As many
as 18 per cent hope that the conflict will be settled peacefully.
Some 67 per cent of respondents in a poll of 1,500 Russians held by the
Public Opinion Foundation on 1 February outlined reasons for the planned
campaign.
Thirty-eight per cent said the United States is primarily guided by economic
interests ("to raise the dollar exchange rate", "to seize oil
lands").
Fourteen per cent think America is contemplating a war in order "to show
the world who is the planet's master".
Twelve per cent support arguments cited by the United States: Iraq possesses
weapons of mass destruction and is an accomplice to international terrorism.
Three per cent believe that "the United States is an aggressive
country", "it needs to fight no matter against whom", "they
cannot live without war", while Iraq is just another target of "the
aggressor".
Meanwhile, 35 per cent of respondents believe Iraq is developing weapons of
mass destruction. 27 per cent think the opposite.
The majority of Russians think Iraq is not an aggressive country and does not
pose any danger. A year ago respondents were inclined to a different point of
view. Back then, 40 per cent of the respondents said that Iraq was dangerous (37
per cent in September 2002). Now 45 per cent believe Iraq does not threaten the
international community.
Sixty-one per cent of respondents think Russia should remain neutral if
military operations start in Iraq. Only 7 per cent suggest supporting the United
States, and 19 per cent stand for supporting Iraq.
Sociologists note that 16 per cent of supporters of President Vladimir Putin
stand for supporting to Iraq, while 26 per cent of supporters of Communist Party
leader Gennadiy Zyuganov hold the same position.
Source: Interfax news agency, Moscow, in English 0948 gmt 6 Feb 03
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