Less Belarusians Feel Like Joining Russia :: Charter'97 :: News

In December 2002 NISEPI sociologists recorded the fall in the number of the supporters of integration with Russia. 21,2% of respondents spoke in favor of such a merger, which is the lowest figure of all ever since 1999. According to the research, last year’s December became a turning point, for since Vladimir Putin’s coming to power in Russia the adherents of integration have been constantly rising in number.

1. If today saw a referendum on the Russian-Belarusian merger, how would you vote?
For unification	53.8
Against unification	26.3
Would abstain from voting	7.8
Don`t know	12.1

2. What integration variant would you prefer?
Belarus and Russia must form a union of two independent states, linked by close political and economic relations	51.7
Belarus and Russia must become one state with a single president, government, army, flag, currency etc.	21.2
Belarus-Russia relations must remain within CIS boundaries	19.7
Don`t know	7.4

3. In a recent missive to Alexander Lukashenko Vladimir Putin proposed to him to pick one of a few integration scenarios. Which one of them looks more preferable to you than the rest?
Integration after EU principles	46.0
Belarus accession to Russia	17.7
Things must remain the way they are	22.1
Don`t know	14.2

4. Do you support the integration variant, when Belarus ceases being an independent, sovereign country?
No	74.9
Yes	23.5
Don`t know	1.6