Brussels, 25/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner David Byrne welcomed the results of discussions aimed at developing a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) within the framework of the World Health Organisation (WHO). "I am pleased that the Commission and Member States are contributing to making this Convention a real tool in our fight against tobacco consumption", the Commissioner said after the fourth negotiating session that came to an end in Geneva last week.
According to the Commission, real progress has been made concerning advertising, passive smoking and duty free sales and illicit trade of tobacco products. It considers that there are now real prospects for a total ban on all forms of direct and indirect advertising.