May 06, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) May 6, 2003 - Most Palestinians are not confident on their prime minister's aptitude to reach a peace agreement, according to a poll by the Horizons Centre for Study and Training. 58.7 per cent of respondents say Mahmoud Abbas will not be able to negotiate a satisfactory settlement with Israel.

(CPOD) May 6, 2003 - Most Palestinians are not confident on their prime minister's aptitude to reach a peace agreement, according to a poll by the Horizons Centre for Study and Training. 58.7 per cent of respondents say Mahmoud Abbas will not be able to negotiate a satisfactory settlement with Israel.

The election of Abbas coincides with the new "road map" for peace in the Middle East, currently being developed by the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.

United States state secretary State Colin Powell said last week that in order to reach a peaceful resolution, Palestinians must cease their attacks against Israel. 60.6 per cent of respondents say the violence should stop, if this is a necessary step for Israeli withdrawal.

Polling Data

Do you think prime minister Mahmoud Abbas will reach a peace agreement with Israel?

Yes	39.5%
No	58.7%

Do you favour and end to the attacks on Israel in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories?

Yes	60.6%
No	36.8%

Source: Horizons Centre for Study and Training
Methodology: Interviews to 700 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, conducted from May 1 to May 3, 2003. No margin of error was provided.