[Intl-tobacco] Philip Morris Issues Apology for Czech Report (fwd)

[Robert Weissman]

Philip Morris Issues Apology for Czech Report
Source: Reuters, Thursday, 7/26/01

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Philip Morris Cos. Inc., the world's largest tobacco
company, on Thursday officially apologized for a study commissioned last
month by an international affiliate that found the Czech Republic
financially benefits from the premature deaths of smokers.

``For one of our tobacco companies to commission this study was not just a
terrible mistake, it was wrong,'' Philip Morris said in a statement. ``All
of us at Philip Morris, no matter where we work, are extremely sorry for
this. No one benefits from the very real, serious and significant diseases
caused by smoking.''

Company officials last month distributed an economic analysis in the Czech
Republic that concluded cigarettes are not a drain on the country's
budget, in part because the government saves money on health care,
pensions and housing when smokers die prematurely.

Antitobacco advocates and others roundly criticized the report when it
came to light in news accounts last week.

Philip Morris said it ``sincerely'' regrets the incident and that the
funding and release of the study ``exhibited terrible judgement as well as
a complete and unacceptable disregard of basic human values.''

Shares of New York-based Philip Morris skidded 93 cents, or 2.08 percent,
to $43.75 on Thursday.