France, Nov. 17 -- Some 1,400 delegates representing governments, international organisations and civil society will converge in Switzerland for the 11thconference of the parties to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)from 17 to 22 November.

To date a total of 183 parties have joined theconvention since it came into force 20 years ago, representing more than 90 percent of the world's population.

The landmark treaty has brought in a package of tobacco control measures, including picture warnings on cigarette packets, smoke-free laws and increased taxes.

This week's conference will take decisions that will set the trajectory of the global tobacco epidemic for future generations, said Andrew Black...