万花筒 2012-10-20&10-23 俄罗斯发起禁烟运动

 Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev is backing a campaign to crack down on smoking in Russia, the world's second biggest tobacco market after China.

In a message on his video blog, he warns that one in three Russians are hooked on cigarettes and nearly 400,000 die each year from smoking-related causes. The campaign includes a proposed bill to ban tobacco advertising¹, raise cigarette taxes and eventually ban smoking in public places. 

However, Russians generally don't seem to be concerned about the proposed law.

揑 think people would be smoking no matter what. It's Russia.?

Vladimir, a resident of Moscow

agrees. He says people will smoke despite the ban. But his friend Donia says some could possibly quit if cigarette prices go up to 300 Rubles or about 10 US dollars a pack. 

The bill is expected to be submitted to parliament for approval in the coming days as big tobacco companies lobby to soften² any new anti-smoking legislation.

1 advertising   

n.广告业；广告活动 a.广告的；广告业务的

参考例句：

• Can you give me any advice on getting into advertising? 你能指点我如何涉足广告业吗?
• The advertising campaign is aimed primarily at young people. 这个广告宣传运动主要是针对年轻人的。

2 soften   

v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和

参考例句：

• Plastics will soften when exposed to heat.塑料适当加热就可以软化。
• This special cream will help to soften up our skin.这种特殊的护肤霜有助于使皮肤变得柔软。