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Finland has just become the first country in the world to make a law aiming to eradicate smoking entirely. The government has introduced a bill which aims to make Finland smoke-free by 2040. On October 1st, the first measures of the so-called Tobacco Act were introduced, making it harder for people under 18 to smoke, and restricting smoking outdoors. And tougher measures are to come. But can Europe follow the lead?
On August 7 2008, Georgia and Russia went to war over the small breakaway province of South Ossetia. One year on, tensions on the ground remain high, to the point that there are even fears in some quarters of another war.
Over one week after the end of deadly clashes between governmental forces and an obscure cult inspired by Afghanistan's Taliban, the city of Maidiguru in northern Nigeria is still under shock.
Last week, China's Supreme Court said it wished to drastically reduce the number of death sentences handed out each year - reportedly more than the rest of the world put together. But abolishing the death penalty altogether is not on the agenda.
Hernan Castillo, author of a book linking Hugo Chavez to the FARC rebel group, is one of a number of Venezuelan thinkers leaving a hostile country they feel now resembles a police state for fear of persecution for their political views.
Niger's citizens are voting in a referendum to change the constitution to allow President Mamadou Tandja to remain in power until 2012. The opposition and media are worried that it is anti-democratic.
It is the worst thing that was ever invented for the use of general public, and the poison nicotine is still available, the governments should treat it as an illegal drug, as it kills thousands a year, the nicotine itself, is odourless and does not stain, and yet it is lethal and legal. The sooner the cigarette industry goes out of production the better.
I think is the best decision from Finland. The whole Europe should stop and ban smoking completely. Is proofed smoke kills, second hand smoking too. Is a very expensive price countries must afford!
React to the article
(5) Reactions
this is not right
Smokers have rights too!
There is only so much people can take untill revolution!
No Smoking
It is the worst thing that was ever invented for the use of general public, and the poison nicotine is still available, the governments should treat it as an illegal drug, as it kills thousands a year, the nicotine itself, is odourless and does not stain, and yet it is lethal and legal. The sooner the cigarette industry goes out of production the better.
No smoking
Today many countries can try hard to stop smoking!
No smoking
WELL DONE Finland & I hope many a country follows suit.
no smoking
I think is the best decision from Finland. The whole Europe should stop and ban smoking completely. Is proofed smoke kills, second hand smoking too. Is a very expensive price countries must afford!