THE HAGUE, 22/02/03 - An overwhelming majority of the Dutch is against a war in Iraq without the backing of the United Nations. Eighteen percent do feel the Americans are justified to take action in Iraq by themselves, according to a survey conducted by pollster Maurice de Hond.

De Hond reports that 55 percent support military intervention in Iraq if the UN gives its approval. In that case, the Netherlands should join in, says 63 percent. Exactly half of the Dutch feel that The Hague could then also supply ground troops. A quarter of those interviewed are against a war in any event.

Three quarters of the Dutch believe that Saddam Hussein possesses weapons of mass destruction, and 18 percent feel it is dangerous for the world if he remains in power. Just over half suspect that oil concerns make up the chief motive of the Americans for wanting a war against Iraq. This belief is most widespread among Socialist Party (SP) and leftwing Green (GroenLinks) supporters (80 percent), and least among Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) voters (30 percent), according to De Hond.

De Hond also concludes that the Dutch have little confidence in US President George Bush. He scores 3.7 on a 1-10 scale measuring reliability, with Saddam Hussein at 1.7.