The Claimants brought this claim on March 12, 2004 under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (hereinafter “NAFTA”). As is more fully explained below, the Claimants contend that various actions taken by states of the United States to implement the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement, concluded to settle litigation by several U.S. states against certain U.S. cigarette manufacturers, violate their rights under Chapter 11 of NAFTA. While the specific actions complained of are taken by various states of the United States, the United States acknowledges that it is internationally responsible under NAFTA for their actions.