PHNOM PENH, Nov 19 (AFP) - A senior Cambodian government official has ruled out legalising prostitution, but admitted the government has failed to tackle the industry's enormous health risk and abuse of sex workers.

"The government is not denying prostitution is a social crisis, and the way the government has dealt with the problem has not been effective," Minister for Women's Affairs Mu Sochua told a forum of the Foreign Correspondents Club late Thursday.

"But let's not look at a solution for today, but one that addresses the root cause of the problem which is poverty."

With half of Cambodia's 20,000-strong sex workforce feared to be infected with the HIV (human immuno-deficiency) virus, which causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), there has been mounting debate here on whether decriminalisation of prostitution could help control the booming industry.

However Mu Sochua argued that while there was an urgent need for greater protection for prostitutes -- most of which are trapped in slave-like conditions -- she said any steps to legalise the multi-million dollar business would never be passed by the government.

An estimated 70 percent of Cambodian men visit brothels on a regular basis. The establishments are largely tolerated and only occasionally subject to sporadic crackdowns. Some 200,000 people are believed to be infected with HIV/AIDS in Cambodia.

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