MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Kirchner still strong with 63% support.

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner public opinion standing dropped another ten points during the last month but still remains one of the highest in the last twenty years with a 63% approval rating, 26% not convinced and 11% rejection.

According to the latest public opinion poll published in the Buenos Aires media, 41,3% approve the government's performance particularly regarding economic policy and foreign affairs, but turns openly controversial and "negative" when asked about employment and law and order.

This is particularly true regarding the street pickets that have virtually taken possession of Buenos Aires streets and the main accesses to the capital. An overwhelming 68% want the government to ensure law and order, while only 24% support the passive attitude of the Kirchner administration towards protestors.

The two main leaders of the picketers' movements, one aligned with the government and another more radical concentrate the highest public opinion rejection, 58 and 67%. The Kirchner administration had confirmed it will not use force even when pickets occupy government property or turn violent in the city's streets.

Pollsters Ipsos-Mora y Araujo indicate this is the second month running President Kirchner's standing drops, and this is mostly caused by the street disorders which sometimes have turned into riots. When President Kirchner took office 14 months ago his public support was 84% and now is 63% that is 20 points ahead of his administration.

The poll also shows that only 20% of those interviewed believe picketers are truly representative of the unemployed and 71% considers them militant groups with specific political interests.

The poll included 1,200 home interviews in the whole country, between July 2 and 7.