Most Russians want Russia in G8

Just over half of Russians think that Russia should do what it takes to remain a consistent member of the G8. This was the conclusion of the All-Russian Center for Study of Societal Opinion (ACSSC). At the same time, the number of those who support this point of view has quickly dropped. In 2001, 70% of Russian supported Russia in the G8, and in 2002 it was already 65%.

Among respondents with higher education there were considerably more supporters of Russia's membership in the G8 than among those with middle or primary education (64%, 54%, and 37% respectively). In high income groups the number of supporters was also higher, gradually lowering to 65% in the group with an income of over USD 170 a month, and to 45% in the group with an income of less than USD 170 per month.

The All-Russian survey was given May 29-30, 2004 in 100 settlements in 39 regions, territories and republics within the country in the form of a domiciliary interview. 1592 people participated in the survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 3.4%.

The G8 summit takes place June 8-10 on the American island Sea Island. Participating in the summit are heads of the largest world powers (US, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Japan, and Russia).