Reuters AlertNet Lite - Anti-American sentiment up sharply in Greece-survey

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Anti-American sentiment up sharply in Greece-survey

16 Nov 2006 11:43:58 GMT
Source: Reuters

ATHENS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Anti-American sentiment, rooted in Greece since Washington backed a military dictatorship there almost 40 years ago, has risen sharply in the past two years, an international survey showed on Thursday.

The survey conducted by TNS ICAP jointly with the Gallup International Association in 63 countries from five continents showed Greece, a NATO and European Union member, was the most anti-American nation polled.

According to the survey, almost 9 out of 10 Greeks consider the United States a negative force in maintaining world peace, a rise of more than 7 percentage points from 2004. Also 76 percent, up by 8 percentage points, believe it is not a positive contributor to the war against terrorism.

"The majority of Greeks believe that the role of the United States is negative in all issues polled," TNS ICAP said in a statement.

The study showed 80 percent of Greeks believe the United States is doing little to battle global poverty while 78 percent think Washington is a negative force in protecting the environment.

Greece has rarely seen eye to eye with Washington over major foreign policy issues in recent years.

It has refused to send troops to Iraq and has only contributed a small number of non-fighting troops to the NATO-led force in Afghanistan.

Greeks have viewed Washington with suspicion ever since it supported a military junta that seized power in 1967 before collapsing seven years later.

The survey was conducted in 63 countries between the months of July and September. In Greece, some 1,000 people from across the country were polled in telephone interviews, TNS ICAP said.

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Last updated:Thu Nov 16 11:46:47 2006