May 16, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) May 16, 2003 - On the eve of the first negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in 31 months, most Israelis back the proposed "road map" for peace in the Middle East, according to a poll published in Maariv. 36 per cent of respondents support the plan, developed by the United States, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and Russia.Palestinian prime minister

(CPOD) May 16, 2003 - On the eve of the first negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in 31 months, most Israelis back the proposed "road map" for peace in the Middle East, according to a poll published in Maariv. 36 per cent of respondents support the plan, developed by the United States, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and Russia.

Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas will meet with Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon this weekend. Abbas wants the "road map" to be implemented as soon as possible, but Sharon has hinted at changes, specifically in security matters. 36 per cent of respondents believe Sharon does not support the plan, but 47 per cent are satisfied with his performance.

Saeb Erekat—considered as an important negotiator—resigned from the Palestinian cabinet after being excluded from the weekend meetings. The "road map" has the main goal of creating a Palestinian state by 2005.

Polling Data

Do you support the "road map" for peace in the Middle East, developed by the United States, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and Russia?

Yes	36%
No	29%
Undecided	35%

Do you think Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon supports the "road map"?

Yes	33%
No	36%
Undecided	31%

Are you satisfied with Ariel Sharon's performance?

Yes	47%
No	42%

Source: Maariv
Methodology: Interviews to 560 Israeli adults, conducted in April and May 2003. Margin of error is 4 per cent.