Cabinet resigns in scandal

Peruvian President Alan Garcia accepted the resignation of his entire Cabinet on Friday amid a sweeping bribery scandal that has rocked the government of a major U.S. ally.

The corruption case was unfolding as authorities said Friday that an attack by leftist rebels on a rural military convoy killed at least 14 soldiers and civilians, the deadliest such strike in years.

Prime Minister Jorge del Castillo offered his resignation along with 14 other Cabinet officers as reports emerged claiming that ruling-party officials solicited bribes from a European company in exchange for lucrative energy contracts.

It was not clear when del Castillo and the other Cabinet members would be replaced, or whether some would return to their posts. Del Castillo has denied any wrongdoing.

-- Press Democrat news services