MOSCOW, August 24, 2007 In view of the completion of the "Arctic 2007" research expedition, Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents information concerning the purposes that Russians think the expedition pursued; how important it is now for our country to study and develop the Arctic; whether it is worthwhile to invest money into it and what the prospects Russia has in obtaining a decent part of the arctic territories.

Two thirds of Russians (68%) are to some degree informed of the expedition, including 28% who mentioned that they know about the expedition, and 40% who have heard something about it. Residents of Moscow and Saint Petersburg are best informed of the expedition (every second respondent here, 48%, know about the expedition), residents of the rural area are the least informed of the issue (21%).

The opinions of Russians about the purpose of the "Arctic -2007" expedition split into three nearly equal parts: 32% of respondents assume that the purpose was scientific, i.e. to study the Arctic; 30% consider the expedition to have pursued a political purpose, i.e. to struggle for the influence in the region; 27% of respondents identify an economic purpose, i.e. natural resources development. Supporters of the party "United Russia" are more in favour of the "scientific" version (35%), the voters of the Communist party, KPRF think more of the "political" one (48%), whereas the supporters of LDPR and "Fair Russia" consider the expedition to have pursued an economic purpose (35% and 44%).

70% of respondents assume that it is now important to study and develop the Arctic; 15% disagree with them on the issue. The higher the level of education of respondents was, the more vital the issue seemed to them. The share of those, who consider it important, grows from 54% in the group of respondents with elementary education to 77% in the group with higher and uncompleted higher education.

The absolute majority of respondents, 69%, agrees with the fact that there is a need for state financing of the development of the Artic. This number includes 43% who propose to limit the volume of this financing, and 26% consider that we should invest as much as it is needed. Only 18% identify that it would be better to spend the money on other purposes.

The share of respondents supporting unlimited financing of the Arctic projects increases from 17% in the group with elementary education to 33% in the group with higher and unfinished higher education. Supporters of moderate expenditures into the development of the Arctic prevail in all groups, irrespective of the level of education.

Russia should pursue a certain unchanging course in the struggle for its sector of the Arctic for its subsequent economic development to its advantage, as 44% of respondents identify. Less popular are points of view that although the division of the Arctic is desirable, it is better to put it off till the distant future if there arises a conflict situation with the neighbors of the Arctic region, (16%), or that the division of the Arctic is not necessary, it must be acknowledged as a territory with international status (18%). Every second respondent (46%) among the supporters of the President of our country speaks in favour of the division of the Arctic. Among the respondents, who do not approve of V.Putin's political activity those, who are for the decisive division and who are categorically against it are nearly equal in number (31-34% for each option).

Nearly half (46%) of respondents note that Russia will be able to defend its rights for obtaining the Arctic territories. Twice as few respondents (23%) assume that Russia will only be able to claim part of the territories in question. There are only 6% of pessimists, who do not believe in the Arctic prospects of Russia. There are more optimists, confident that the situation will be settled in a favourable way for Russia, among the residents of large cities - 52%; this opinion also predominates in medium-size and small cities and the villages - 44-46%. 36% of respondents in the capitals agree with them. 40% of Muscovites and Peterburgers consider real the scenario, according to which Russia should "share" with its neighbors; whereas substantially fewer respondents from other populated areas do - 20-22%.

The All-Russia opinion poll was conducted by VCIOM on August 18-19, 2007. 1600 respondents were interviewed in 153 population areas of 46 regions of Russia. The statistical error does not exceed 3.4%.