Brussels, 22/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) has welcomed the appointment of Tonio Borg from Malta to the post of Commissioner for health and consumer policy, following his approval by the European Parliament on 21 November (see EUROPE 10735). Nonetheless, it insists that the new Commissioner put his conservative opinions to one side and make his decisions in strict respect of the European treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. In a press release, EPHA declared that, “we trust that Dr Borg will be true to his words that his personal views do not interfere with his public duties in a portfolio that deals with sensitive areas such as sexual health and reproductive rights, equity of access to health care, health promotion, disease prevention, and the reduction of health inequalities”. Although the alliance welcomes Tonio Borg's strong determination to push forward the directive on tobacco products as early as possible and for an ambitious directive to be presented in January 2013, EPHA is highlighting the absolute necessity for the new commissioner to resist any interference from the tobacco lobbies in this dossier. “EPHA would like to stress that the EU is a signatory to the World Health Organisation's framework convention on tobacco control… which requires a high level of transparency and openness in contacts with the tobacco industry”. It also referred to the former health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou's pledge to members of the European Parliament, “I am ready to commit today to not accept any invitation coming from the tobacco industry or those working in its interests so long as I hold office”. EPHA is calling on Borg to adopt the same behaviour. (IL/transl.fl)