|
|
| Search | Site Map |
 |
Statement of Change to Philip Morris by Kathryn Mulvey 2007 Statement by Corporate Accountability International Executive Director Kathryn Mulvey At the Philip Morris/Altria Annual Shareholders' Meeting East Hanover, NJ-April 26, 2007 Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Corporate Accountability International. Mr. Camilleri, last year you ridiculed health advocates, and dismissed us as people living in the past. Yet despite your attempts to position Philip Morris/Altria as a new and reformed corporation, your actions speak otherwise. For decades, tobacco corporations have sought to generate doubt about the deadly effects of your products. In the 1970s, your corporation began marketing “low-tar” and “light” cigarettes to appeal to health-conscious customers, even though you knew that these products offered no health benefit or reduced health risk. In August 2006, U.S. District Court Judge Gladys Kessler barred tobacco corporations from using these false and misleading descriptors. A few weeks later, Philip Morris/Altria asked Judge Kessler if you could continue to use the “low-tar” and “light” labels outside the U.S., despite her earlier ruling and in full knowledge that these labels are misleading and false! Furthermore, the global tobacco treaty prohibits the use of misleading descriptors. The 146 countries that have ratified want to leave this deception in the past, and they are backed by international law. In 2001 Philip Morris/Altria joined British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco in signing the International Tobacco Marketing Standards Agreement, which includes a commitment to halt sponsorship of Formula One auto racing. While BAT and JT have both ceased Formula One sponsorship, your corporation continues to sponsor these races. You are violating an agreement you signed six years ago—and the global tobacco treaty, which bans tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship in ratifying countries. Mr. Camilleri, it appears that you are the one living in the past. When Philip Morris/Altria fails to keep up with the times, and defies lifesaving advances in international policy and standards, why should the public or policymakers believe that you have changed your ways?
|
|
