[quote]State Dept Warns on Prostitute Use

Monday, June 16, 2008 3:53 PM

By: Jim Meyers Article Font Size

The U.S. State Department has issued its annual report on human trafficking, analyzing 170 countries’ efforts to fight trafficking for prostitution, forced labor and other purposes.

But Newsmax has learned that the Department has also issued a directive to its own employees warning them not to contribute to the problem by enlisting the services of a prostitute.

The notice sent to employees states:

“Combating human trafficking has become a central component of U.S. government foreign policy over the last several years…

“The United States is committed to eradicating human trafficking, which includes the exploitation of persons in prostitution through threat, force, fraud, or coercion…

“People who buy sex acts fuel the demand for sex trafficking. This cable serves as a reminder to all employees and contractors under Chief of Mission (CoM) Authority that irrespective of whether prostitution is legal in the host country, employees

should not in any way abet sex trafficking or solicit people in prostitution. DOS [Department of State] employees who engage in this conduct are subject to discipline.

“Penalties range from admonishment, reprimand, suspension to separation from Federal service, depending on the circumstances.

“Involvement with the commercial sex industry is unacceptable in light of the diplomatic and foreign policy goals of the United

States and the conduct that is expected of Department employees.â€