Brussels, 16/01/2004 (Agence Europe) - The "US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit" (New York) ruled on 14 January on the European Commission's Appeal and that of ten EU Member States in their case against US cigarette manufacturers. (See EUROPE of 1 November 2002). The ruling confirms the decision by the US District Court (February 2002) in New York to dismiss the case concerning the smuggling claims but also confirmed that the EC and Member States have the right to proceed with their money laundering claims in seperate lawsuits, with a view to receiving damages for injury. Commenting on Wednesday's decision, the European Commissioner for budget policy and the fight against fraud, Michaele Schreyer, insited that “fighting fraud and the illegal trade in cigarettes remains a top priority” and that “The Commission is not giving up on its battle against tobacco smuggling and money laundering”. The Commission's appeal had above all received support from the WHO and two American organisations, the “Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids” and the “Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association”.