Balkans seek to curb cigarette smuggling

Ministers from Balkan countries are meeting in Kosovo today to discuss measures aimed at tackling cigarette smuggling.

One of the proposals put forward is the harmonisation of taxes and tariffs to reduce the incentives for smugglers.

Cigarette smuggling is widespread in the region, and a BBC correspondent says Kosovo is seen as its centre.

The province's UN administration says it aims to tackle the problem in coming months, and is hoping neighbouring states will also change their tax policies.

However, our correspondent says sceptics have questioned how much co-operation there will be, as there have been allegations that some of the governments are themselves involved in the smuggling.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service