Dimitris Avamopoulos
Minister of health and Social Solidarity
The Minister commented on the significant changes that have taken place in Greece.  The media has been engaged in public information campaigns, scientific evidence about smoking, passive smoking and tobacco use has entered the public consciousness and tobacco and smoking is no longer fashionable.  The Minister spoke on the day of the Conference, “National Alliance Against Smoking” which launched preparations for Greece to become smoke free on July 1st 2009.  Statements from his address to the conference are included in this video presentation.

Professor Panagiotis Behrakis
Associate Professor of Respiratory Physiology 
As a pulmonary physician Professor Behrakis frequently has to inform the families of cancer patients the bad news that they fear.  He understands that anti-smoking campaigns and smoking legislation should not be against the smoker, but against smoking.  On the issue of packaging, with the evidence showing that images and warnings are effective, the professor says that they should both be part of a “polyphonic” approach to smoking reduction, with messages primarily aimed at the age group that is most susceptible to tobacco promotion - young people between 12 and 18 years of age.