Ecuadorian energy minister's resignation accepted
Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio on Thursday accepted the resignation of Energy and Mining Minister Fausto Cordovez, another high-ranking official to quit in a scandal over unpaid debts to a state agency.

Cordovez, who had occupied the post for no more than one month, joined a list of officials who have resigned over having debts in Ecuadorian public and private banking institutions. The president said he would not accept defaulters in his administration.

A spokesman for the energy minister said Cordovez resigned Wednesday afternoon.

Eleven other high-ranking officials could be forced to resign because of their debts, including four ministers: Interior Minister Mauricio Gandara, Foreign Minister Antonio Parra, Finance Minister Rafael Correa, and Minister of Urban Development and Housing Armando Bravo.