NEW YORK - Turkish Health Minister signed on Wednesday the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in New York, the United States.
Turkey became the 107th country signing the convention since June 16, 2004.
Following the signing ceremony, Akdag told A.A correspondent that the convention would enter into force within 90 days after the parliament of 40th country ratified it.
Akdag said that Turkey wanted to ratify the convention as soon as possible and be ranked among those 40 countries.
The convention had been ratified by 11 countries so far, Akdag stated.
Akdag noted that Turkey was determined to fight against smoking and harms of tobacco.
There was need for a serious cooperation to fight against smoking, Akdag pointed out.
Akdag said that 100 thousand people died at an early age due to smoking in Turkey.
Although developing countries had a decreasing tendency in consumption of tobacco, tobacco use in Turkey had risen by 80 percent in the last 20 years, Akdag stated.
Akdag noted that the convention would be beneficial to social health, would protect non-smokers from harmful effects of cigarette-smokers, would help ban sale of cigarettes to children and young people, would help restrict cigarette advertising, and would help review price and tax policies in order to reduce cigarette consumption.
The convention would also be helpful to make international cooperation, to fight trafficking, to write warnings on cigarette packages, and to limit cancerous substances used in cigarettes, Akdag pointed out.
Akdag said that fight against smoking in Turkey would be laid on a stronger ground after Turkey had signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
He would have a meeting with Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Akdag stated.
Akdag said that Turkey was conducting ''Third Country Program'' with UNFPA covering years between 2001 and 2005 and noted that the biggest contribution as a part of that program was allocated to Reproductive Health Sub-Program.
He would also visit M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Akdag noted.
Akdag and accompanying delegation, who went to the United States on Tuesday, are expected to return to Turkey on Friday.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, negotiated under the auspices of WHO, is the first legal instrument designed to reduce tobacco-related deaths and disease around the world. The Convention has provisions that set forth international minimum standards on tobacco-related issues such as tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, tax and price measures, packaging and labeling, illicit trade and protection from second-hand smoke. These provisions are designed to guide governments, which are free to legislate at higher thresholds if desired.
(BRC) 28.04.2004