Greek Cabinet Hit With Another Resignation

A second Greek Cabinet member has resigned, marking the second casualty in as many days for the financially struggling country's new conservative-led government. Giorgos Vernicos, deputy minister for Greece's merchant marine ministry, announced his resignation today, and it was accepted by the government. He did not immediately give a reason for his departure. The main opposition Syriza party had accused him of maintaining an offshore company in what appeared to be a conflict of interest for a member of government.

Yesterday, the designated finance minister resigned because of illness. And new Prime Minister Antonis Samaras himself is recovering from a weekend eye operation and will be unable to attend a crucial European Union leaders' summit later this week. (More Greece stories.)