A poll published in the daily La República yesterday found that 62% of Costa Ricans questioned said they support the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA), while 37% said they oppose this controversial trade pact.

The poll also questioned Ticos about whether they fear violence surrounding future CAFTA protests, and 15% said they are very afraid of violence; 22% said they are somewhat afraid; 28% said they have little fear; and 26% said they are not afraid at all.

CAFTA opponents have announced they are planning a protest in late February.

These results were compared to those from a poll conducted in October 2005, when 64% of those questioned said they were in favor of CAFTA and 10% were against it.

The recent poll was conducted for La República by CID-Gallup Jan. 20-28 with 1,231 people. It claims a 3% margin of error.

Costa Rica is the only signatory country that has not ratified CAFTA, which is being studied by the Legislative Assembly and is likely to move to its main floor soon.