Obama to curb smoking by youth; signs historic tobacco law

Intending to curb cigarette smoking especially among the youth, US president Barack Obama cleared a new law that will give the government unprecedented powers to put restraints on cigarette makers.

Expressing his disappointment on the number of young smokers, he said, ''I know, I was one of these teenagers, and so I know how difficult it can be to break this habit when it's been with you for a long time.''

"I also know that kids today don't just start smoking for no reason -- they're aggressively targeted as customers by the tobacco industry. They're exposed to a constant and insidious barrage of advertising where they live, where they learn, and where they play," he added.

The law will allow Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban flavourings added to some tobacco products and also seek stricter warning labels.

The new law is in accordance with Obama's pre-election promise of bringing about important political changes in  Washington's policies.

"When I ran for president, I did so because I believed that, despite the power of the status quo and the influence of special interests, it was possible for us to bring change to Washington," Obama said.