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MORE THAN HALF OF RUSSIA'S INHABITANTS NEGATIVELY ASSESS US ROLE IN THE WORLD

MOSCOW, March 4 (RIA Novosti) - More than half of Russia's inhabitants, 59%, believe that the USA plays a negative role in the present-day world, with only 21% holding a diametrically opposite point of view.

These data were circulated by the Public Opinion fund following a representative All-Russian poll held in 100 populated areas of 44 Regions, Territories and Republics of Russia by way of interviewing in the place of residence. The poll took place at the end of February with the participation of 1,500 respondents. In addition, 600 residents of Moscow filled in the respective questionnaire. The statistical error does not exceed 3.6%.

On the other hand, when the matter concerns the respondents' personal attitude to the USA, they more often state their liking than disliking for that country (26% against 21%), with "indifference" clearly prevailing (50%).

The poll showed that the Russian citizens' idea of Russian-US relations has changed of late. In October 2004 the proportion of Russia's inhabitants whom the degree of closeness of relations between the two countries suited made up 34%, and this figure remained stable during the past few years. But it has dramatically increased now to reach 46%. And the share of the respondents who would like these relations to be closer has diminished as sharply, from 40% to 29%. The number of those who are satisfied with the current state of Russian-US relations has increased both among those who like the USA and those whose attitude to it is neutral or negative.