GENEVA—
The World Health Organization says a majority of its member states are nearing agreement on a deal to crack down on cigarette smuggling.The global body says diplomats from 174 countries are expected to vote on a draft treaty as early as a Nov. 12-17 meeting in South Korea's capital Seoul.
Dr. Haik Nikogosian of the WHO-hosted Framework Convention on Tobacco Control says final agreement still needs to be reached on issues such as duty free and Internet sales.
Nikogosian told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that up to $50 billion in tax revenues are lost worldwide each year due to the illicit tobacco trade.
The United States, Indonesia, Argentina and Switzerland are among a handful of countries not participating in the treaty negotiations.
