[lbo-talk] Russians, Ukrainians, Belarussian see benefits of unity

[Chris Doss]

May 24 2004 1:18PM Russians, Ukrainians, Belarussian see benefits of unity
MOSCOW. May 24 (Interfax) - Most people in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus believe it would be beneficial for the three nations to become more closely unified, polls indicate. Only 6% in Russia and Ukraine and 10% in Belarus do not see the benefits. 

The polls were taken by the VTsIOM public opinion center in Russia, Novak in Belarus and DIATs in Ukraine ahead of the summit meeting to discuss the Common Economic Space. 

22%-42% of the respondents said the main "points of contact" between the three nations are common history, family ties and economic interests. 

While Russians feel the common past is the most important factor, Belarussians and especially Ukrainians see economic interests as the main issue. 

Over half of Russians (51%) would prefer to continue living in their own country without joining any unions or supranational associations. Belarussians are most attracted by a unified Europe (28%) and Ukrainians support a union of Slavic states (23%). <> 

		
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