MARLBORO * WINSTON * L&M * CAMEL * PARLIAMENT * KENT

Smoking ban became a global one and in every state there are a lot of anti-tobacco companies, that’s why millions of Russians could be forced to kick their favorite habit. Also have increased the treaty supports health warnings on packets and anti-smoking advertising.

Russia can be enrolled among the states with a high percentage of smokers because in Russia, 60% of men and 30% of women smoke.

Health experts showed that half a million Russians die every year from smoke-related diseases. The results are not so good because even Russia having played an active role in the framing of the Global Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Russia is still not a member.

Boris Gryzlov, Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, said: "Russia is the third most prolific producer in the world of tobacco products - some 414 billion cigarettes annually. But unlike the U.S. who are the world leaders and who export most of what they produce, Russian tobacco is consumed within the country."

The World Health Organization Global Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was adopted in 2003 and came into effect two years later. More than 150 countries already ratified it but Russia not yet.

Ivan Dubov from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development, explained: "For example, within three years 30% of the surface area of a cigarette packet would have to carry warnings over harmful smoking is. In five years we would have to bring tobacco advertising to heel. There's a whole lot of work to be done in this respect."

Although certain measures have already been adopted by law makers, Russia still seems to be delaying behind Europe in its anti-smoking policies.

Public smoking has been banned in Ireland since 2004, in the UK and Germany since July last year. But the Government considers that Russian employers can refuse to hire smoker.

Anti-tobacco researchers think that with a strong tobacco influence and a higher price for a pack of cigarettes at just around one dollar, the task of getting Russians to kick their bad habit will raise.