MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Santiago residents contrary to Bolivian Pacific outlet.

Three out of four Santiago residents reject the proposal of giving Bolivia an outlet to the sea, according to a public opinion poll published this Sunday in Chile's most influential daily El Mercurio. Only 14% favour the proposal.

Bolivia lost its maritime exit to the Pacific in the 1879 war when allied with Peru they attacked Chile with the hope of occupying the Chilean northern provinces rich in resources.

The poll interviewed 400 people in metropolitan Santiago between March 27 and 29; the margin error is plus/minus 5 points.

Other issues of the poll included President Ricardo Lagos personal standing and government performance.

Out of a scale of 7, President Lagos rated 4,5 and his four years in office, 4,7.

For 56% of Chileans unemployment that stands at a national average of 7,4% is their main concern.

As to future candidates to succeed Mr. Lagos when he concludes his six year presidential term they are, current Mayor of Santiago, Conservative (opposition) Joaquín Lavín with 86,8%, virtually tied with current (Socialist) Defence Minister Michelle Bachelet 84,3% and current (Christian-democrat) Foreign Secretary Soledad Alvear with 83,8%. The two government's ministers are ladies.

In recent polls nationwide, both lady candidates would defeat Mr. Lavín in the December 2005 presidential elections.