[Intl-tobacco] NY Press Briefing on Industry Involvement in Cigarette Smuggling, July 31st

[Robert Weissman]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE				CONTACT: 	Nicole Dueffert
July 25, 2002							202-997-1470 (cell)
									202-296-5469 (in Washington, D.C.)

***PRESS BRIEFING***

Former Colombian Foreign Minister and International Experts to Discuss
Tobacco Industry Involvement in Cigarette Smuggling and Possible Solutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 25, 2002) – Carlos Ronderos, Former Colombian
Minister of Foreign Trade, will brief reporters Wednesday, July 31, on the
magnitude of the worldwide cigarette smuggling problem, evidence of tobacco
industry involvement in smuggling, and prospects for international
cooperation to control the problem.  Experts from the United States, Canada
and the European Community will join Ronderos.

The European Union and Colombian state governments are currently pursuing
actions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
against Philip Morris and other tobacco companies in U.S. courts, charging
industry involvement in money laundering and cigarette smuggling.

The briefing will be held as the United States hosts a meeting at the United
Nations in New York City to discuss the problem of international cigarette
smuggling and possible solutions.  The intent of the meeting is to develop
anti-smuggling provisions that can be included in the Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control, the international tobacco control treaty being
negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization.


WHEN: 	Wednesday, July 31, 2002
		11am-12pm

WHO: 		Carlos Ronderos-Former Colombian Minister of Foreign Trade

Also available for comment:

·	Clive Bates-Director, Action on Smoking and Health, UK
·	David Sweanor-Legal Counsel, Smoking and Health Action Foundation in
Canada
·	Judith Wilkenfeld-Director of International Programs, Campaign for
Tobacco-Free Kids

WHERE: 	The Church Center
		777 U.N. Plaza, Hardin Room (11th Floor), (corner of 44th Street and 1st
Avenue), New York, New York


***************************
Ross Hammond, Consultant
242 Edna Street
San Francisco, CA 94112
USA
Tel.      1-415-452-9322
Fax.      1-415-680-2364
Please sign the online petition for a strong tobacco treaty:
http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/campaign/global/globalhealth/