Brussels, 31/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the Permanent Representatives of the Member States reached an agreement on the directive setting a minimum and maximum rate for excise on tobacco. The political agreement may be formally confirmed by Tuesday's Ecofin Council, except if ministers decide to adopt the directive after the Parliament has given its opinion (consultation procedure). The text taken on board provides for the introduction of a minimum duty of 60 euros for one...