950811

Clinton teenage

smoking clampdown

hailed

LONDON: In a world where tobacco is blamed for a death every 10 seconds, U.S. President Bill Clinton's bid to cut teenage smoking was hailed on Friday by campaigners battling the scourge of lung cancer.

Smoking already kills three million people a year around the globe and the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that figure could soar to 10 million within four decades.

"Tobacco is an equal opportunity killer," said a WHO spokesman in Geneva. "Half of the adolescents, whether they are boys or girls, who start smoking and smoke throughout their lives, will be killed by tobacco."

On Thursday, Clinton proposed strict curbs on cigarette sales to young people, a move swiftly challenged in court by the tobacco industry as unlawful.

"Children are especially susceptible to the deadly temptation of tobacco and its skilful marketing," Clinton said as he proposed a nationwide ban on sales to anyone under 18.

WHO has long canvassed for tough global action and its spokesman said: "The WHO approves of any anti-smoking campaign, in particular those aimed at young people."

Progress in cutting smoking among youngsters has been patchy in Europe, where governments' commitment varies widely.-Reuter