Helsnki - Finnish voters remain opposed to a possible membership in NATO, according to a new survey published Thursday.

The poll - conducted after the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia - suggested 57 per cent of Finns opposed joining NATO, 23 per cent were in favour while the remaining 20 per cent were undecided.

A year ago, those undecided were on 16 per cent, the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper that commissioned the Gallup survey said. About 1,000 people were polled by telephone September 2-11.

The survey also suggested that 70 per cent of those polled wanted a referendum should Finland opt to seek membership in the military alliance.

The strongest backers of NATO membership were found among supporters of the National Coalition Party, one of four parties in the coalition government.

About 50 per cent of the party's backers supported NATO membership. However, since a similar poll was conducted a year ago the number of undecided among National Coalition Party supporters had doubled to 20 per cent.

Finland cooperates with NATO within the Partnerhsip for Peace (PFP) framework. (dpa)