U.S. Criticized for Fighting International Tobacco Treaty May 8, 2001
News Summary
The United States has come under fire for hindering progress towards an international tobacco-control treaty, the Associated Press reported May 4."The U.S. contribution has been entirely negative -- weakening, delaying and deleting anything that might have substance," said Clive Bates, director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).
Bates made the comments as weeklong negotiations over the treaty came to a close in Geneva, Switzerland. The treaty, sponsored by the United Nations' World Health Organization (WHO), is aimed at curbing the increase in tobacco-related deaths worldwide.
Bates stated that the U.S. should withdraw from the negotiations rather than forcing other countries to weaken the treaty to the point where it would not be ratified.
U.S. negotiators denied Bates' accusations. "The administration feels strongly focused on public health -- especially prevention in kids and stopping smuggling," said U.S. delegation chief Tom Novotny.
But Vince Willmore of the U.S.-based Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, sided with Bates, stating that the U.S. delegation was trying to weaken several treaty provisions, including a ban on "low-tar," "light," and "mild" labeling claims; an end to duty-free sales; and a ban on smoking in public places.
The United States is home to Philip Morris Inc., the world's largest tobacco company. In addition, President Bush is perceived to be more sympathetic to Big Tobacco than the Clinton administration.
"We are concerned that the United States and Japan are adopting positions which would clearly benefit the tobacco companies," said Ricardo Navarro of the Network for Accountability for Tobacco Transnationals.
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