Kyrgyzstan Moves To Ban Smoking In Public Places

BISHKEK -- The Kyrgyz parliament has approved amendments to a law that bans smoking in state institutions, at entrances to multistory buildings, and in all public places.

Advertisements for tobacco products in all media outlets are also banned.

Health Minister Marat Mambetov said that similar measures in some Western countries have led to significant reductions in smoking of up to 25 percent.

The antismoking legislation would be the strictest in Central Asia.