Guatemala Vows to Pursue Appeal in Dismissal of Claims Against Tobacco Industry
12/30/99
HOUSTON, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleming & Associates, L.L.P. today issued the following:
The United States District Court of the District of Columbia today issued an opinion dismissing the Republic of Guatemala's case against the major tobacco compani
``As Attorney General of the Republic of Guatemala, I want the same protection for the children of Guatemala that was given the children of the United States,'' stated Dr. Carlos Garcia Regas. ``Sadly, justice has not been done for our children, especially those who are already addicted to tobacco's evil product, the cigarette. We plan to take the necessary steps to protect the interests of our people.''
``We are extremely disappointed with today's decision,'' said lead counsel for Guatemala, George M. Fleming, Fleming & Associates, L.L.P. ``The court failed to recognize that the claims of Guatemala are almost identical to the successful claims filed by the states which were settled for well over 200 billion dollars. We are looking forward to the opportunity of presenting Guatemala's case to the court of appeals.''
In addition to Guatemala, Fleming & Associates, L.L.P. also represents The Republic of Nicaragua. Other countries which have sued the tobacco industry and have lawsuits pending in U.S. courts include Bolivia, Panama, Venezuela, Ukraine and at least two states from Brazil.
For a complete copy of the court's opinion, please contact Fleming & Associates, L.L.P.
Contact: D'Lisa R. Simmons or Andres C. Pereira, both of Fleming & Associates, L.L.P., 800-654-7139, or 713-305-6188.
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