A cartoon-based ad campaign for Camel cigarettes -- which drew condemnation from antismoking groups and a lawsuit from state attorneys general -- will be discontinued until the litigation is resolved, according to Reynolds officials.

The Los Angeles Times reported Dec. 6 that Reynolds officials said they would end the Camel Farm campaign -- which included an insert in Rolling Stone magazine, branded music CDs, sponsorships of club and bar events, and a website -- in the face of a lawsuit claiming the promotion violates the terms of the 1998 nationwide tobacco settlement.

A Reynolds spokesperson called the decision "an interim accommodation until the matter is resolved." The 1998 agreement prohibits the use of cartoon characters to sell cigarettes on the grounds that they appeal to minors.

A hearing is set for Jan. 7 for the state of California's lawsuit against R. J. Reynolds. A similar suspension was announced in Chicago, where the Illinois attorney general also has sued the company over the Camel ads.