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Annan bans smoking in all UN Headquarters premises

Annan bans smoking in all UN Headquarters premises

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has issued a ban on smoking in any of the United Nations premises at the Headquarters in New York, in a bid to eliminate the risks associated with second-hand smoke.

In a bulletin to staff, Mr. Annan says the ban, which took effect yesterday, applies to all buildings and grounds, with the exception of the outdoor area on the public plaza at the visitor's entrance.

The ban is consistent with the tobacco control principles developed by the UN World Health Organization (WHO). Local law also prohibits smoking in all offices and indoor public places in New York.