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EU citizens believe that military intervention in Iraq was not justified

IRNA

Brussels, Nov 3, IRNA -- Some 68% of European citizens are of the 
opinion that the military intervention of the United States and their 
allies was not justified, according to an opinion poll published by 
the European Commission. 
The full report of the survey titled "Iraq and peace in the world"
was released to the press in Brussels Monday. 
In all EU member states, (with the exception of Denmark), the vast
majority of citizens are against this intervention by force. 
Even in the allied countries of Spain and the United Kingdom, the 
majority seem to be opposed. 
EU citizens want the United Nations and the provisional government
to manage reconstruction in Iraq right through to the establishment 
of a sovereign Iraqi government 
Close to six in ten citizens would prefer that the management of 
reconstruction in Iraq as well as the transition to a sovereign Iraqi 
government be entrusted to the United Nations. 
The provisional government in Iraq follows next with 44% of EU 
citizens choosing this authority for its management during 
reconstruction through to the establishment of a democratic 
government. 
EU citizens want the United Nations to guarantee security in Iraq.
Some 43% of European Union citizens place their trust in the 
United Nations together with their peacekeeping forces in guaranteeing
security during the reconstruction period. 
According to EU citizens, the United States should not be 
entrusted with the task of guaranteeing security. 
EU citizens want their country to participate in financing the 
rebuilding of Iraq. 
Some 65% of EU citizens believe that the United States should 
finance the reconstruction of Iraq. The majority are in favour of 
their country`s financial participation in the rebuilding of Iraq. 
EU citizens are in favour of offering humanitarian aid to Iraq. 
Some 82% of EU citizens are in favour of their country`s 
reinforcement of humanitarian aid in Iraq. Opinions appear to be 
divided on the sending of EU peacekeeping troops to Iraq with 44% 
confirming that they are in favour and 54% against. 
EU citizens call for more EU involvement in the Middle East Peace 
Process. 
Some 81% of citizens believe that the European Union should play 
an effective role in resolving the Middle East peace process. 
Some 86% of EU citizens believe in the importance of political and
cultural exchange with Arab countries. 
Some 55% of EU citizens feel that the threat of terrorism in their
country is strong. The United Kingdom and Spain are most fearful of 
terrorism with 76% of respondents in each believing the threat in 
their country to be strong. 
NK/212 
End