13:07, 29 June 2005

Figures speak

Three-fourths of the Georgian population remains optimistic, according to a survey done in Georgia by the local office of the US-based International Republican Institute. In particular, 75% of those surveyed remain optimistic, 18% feel neutral and just 2% are pessimistic. The same organisation's polls showed there were 51% of optimists and 21% of pessimists in Georgia two years ago. Eighteen months ago, shortly after the "Rose Revolution," the number of optimistic people was 94% and those pessimistic numbered 1%.

Fifty-three per cent feel like a peaceful solution to the Abkhaz and South Ossetian conflicts, while 42% vote for a violent solution.