Commissioner Vassiliou welcomes smoking ban in Cyprus

EU Commissioner for Health Androulla Vassiliou has welcomed the approval by the Cyprus House of Representatives of a legislation banning smoking in all public places and night clubs as of January 1st, 2010.

''This is a huge step forward in health protection and I am very pleased that a clear majority of the Parliament supported this long due measure'', Vassiliou said Friday.

She noted that the evidence from smoke-free countries is indeed very encouraging, since indoor air quality has improved considerably and that has been mirrored by significant improvement in respiratory and heart health.

The Commissioner pointed out that Cypriot authorities must ensure full application of this legislation so that Cypriot citizens partake in these immediate health benefits and are better protected of long-term effects such as cancer.

''This, of course, does not work without the cooperation of every Cypriot. We ourselves need to make an effort and embrace the new rules, thereby setting good examples to our fellow citizens'', she added.