Corruption scandal ousts Guatemalan vice president

Guatemala's once-powerful vice president formally lost her post on Saturday as the congress accepted her resignation, leaving office amid a customs graft scandal that has implicated her former private secretary.

In a letter released late Friday, Roxana Baldetti said the move means she is giving up her immunity from possible prosecution and promised "to collaborate with all investigations" into the graft scheme. She has denied any involvement in the alleged bribery.

President Oscar Perez Molina called the decision "brave" and said it was a personal decision. Legislators voted 149-0 at a special session to accept her stepping down.

A court later issued an order barring Baldetti from leaving the country during the investigation.