WASHINGTON - The US State Department said on Thursday it was calling its furloughed employees back to work next week as it takes steps to pay salaries despite a partial shutdown of the government. 'As a national security agency, it is imperative that the Department of State carries out its mission,' Deputy Under Secretary of State Bill Todd said in a statement posted on the department's website. 'We are best positioned to do so with fully staffed embassies, consulates and domestic offices.'
