IRI Sponsored Palestinian Poll Shows Support for Truce;
Mixed Reviews for Abbas Government, Some Optimism for Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2003

Ramallah, West Bank --A significant majority of Palestinians support the continuation of the current three-month truce between militant groups and Israel, according to poll released by Birzeit University and sponsored by the International Republican Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide.

The poll of residents of the West Bank and Gaza surveyed Palestinian views on a range of issues, including peace talks with Israel, the government of new Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, freedom of religion and local elections.

Truce With Israel

Over 70 percent of Palestinians support the existing truce agreed to by militant groups not to attack Israel. A lower number (61 percent) support the continuation of the truce over an additional three month period. Seventy seven percent, however, believe Israel will not abide by the truce agreement.

Palestinian Governance

Palestinians showed mixed sentiments about Prime Minister Abbas and his government. Twenty-seven percent evaluated Abbas' performance as "good," 34 percent said it was "fair" and 28 percent said it was "poor." Only 22 percent thought Abbas had enough power to implement his proposals.

The new government received its lowest marks when it came to alleviating unemployment, ending Israeli-imposed closures in Palestinian areas and fighting corruption. The Abbas administration received more positive reviews for improving public services and the legal system.

In addition, the poll showed that little improvement had taken place in Palestinian living conditions, as 41 percent of households still have no working breadwinner. More Palestinians, however, are optimistic about the future (42 percent) then pessimistic (25 percent).

About the Poll

The survey of 1200 Palestinians was conducted July 24-26 in the West Bank and Gaza -- the 13th in a series of surveys conducted and released by Birzeit University's Development Studies Program (DSP). A detailed copy of the survey's results, including an analysis, tables and methodology, can be accessed from IRI's Web site at http://www.iri.org

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A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide