MOSCOW. April 4 (Interfax) - In connection with the Iraq crisis, the number of Russians who dislike U.S. President George W. Bush has grown by half. While in May 2002, 45% of Russians disliked him, in March 2003, the figure rose to 73%, the Public Opinion Foundation reports.

Polls indicated that sympathies for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein have been growing.

In February 2002, 16% thought well of him, while 22% now support him. Last year, 22% were critical of Hussein, while the number now stands at 17%. [RU EUROPE EEU EMRG POL US IQ] ml tl <>