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Article

21 Oct 2014

Author:
Jim Armitage, Independent (UK)

Big Tobacco puts countries on trial as concerns over TTIP deals mount

...Philip Morris is suing Uruguay for increasing the size of the health warnings on cigarette packs, and for clamping down on tobacco companies’ use of sub-brands like Malboro Red, Gold, Blue or Green…which could give the impression some cigarettes are safe to smoke…[Philip Morris] is taking its legal action under the terms of a bilateral trade agreement between Switzerland…and Uruguay…Last week, Uruguay filed its…defence, claiming that its government has a right and a duty to safeguard the health and wellbeing of its citizens and is complying with international treaties on tobacco controls...Uruguay…went ahead with its smoking curbs unbowed by the litigation, which has been dragging on since 2009 at a cost to the country of millions of dollars…Philip Morris said: “…Building a brand is a long-term significant investment which these governments have severely damaged, despite their pledge under binding international treaties not to deprive investors of their property without fair compensation in return.”