Saturday, October 8, 2011

U.S. ambassador to Philippines inserts foot in (big) mouth

What does this story have to do with Mexico and the Gulf region? Absolutely nothing, other than perhaps to serve as a warning to diplomatic personnel wherever they may be stationed.

The BBC reports that at a conference last month, U.S. ambassador Harry Thomas said 40% of male visitors come to the country for sex. Apparently the comment was made in humor, but local officials aren't laughing. Like many Asian nations the Philippines is faced with a serious sex tourism problem, and the U.S. has put pressure on the country to crack down on child prostitution and human sexual trafficking. Sexual tourism involving a minor is a federal offense under American law, and U.S. nationals may be prosecuted regardless of where it occurs. The U.S. embassy in Manila says Thomas has officially apologized.

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