Anti-tobacco treaty

Geneva

A new U.N. treaty will impose the first international regulations on the sale and advertising of tobacco. The treaty, sponsored by the World Health Organization, restricts tobacco advertising, mandates warning labels on cigarettes, and limits smoking in public places. It was immediately signed this week by 28 nations and will enter into force after 40 countries have ratified it. “It is a victory for public health,” said Greek Health Minister Costas Stefanis. “The signing of this treaty indicates the will of the people to go against the organized interests of the tobacco companies.” During the treaty negotiations, diplomats accused the U.S. of trying to weaken the language to protect the interests of Philip Morris, the world’s largest cigarette maker. The U.S. has not yet said whether it will sign.

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