Paraguay VP to resign following U.S. corruption allegations

• While he dropped out of the presidential race upon the U.S. designation, Velázquez has maintained his innocence, per the AP.

Driving the news: Marc Ostfield, the U.S. ambassador to Paraguay, announced Friday morning that Velázquez would be added to a U.S. corruption list for allegedly offering bribes to a public official, per the AP. His close associate Juan Carlos Duarte was also added to the U.S. corruption list.

• Velázquez and Duarte are barred from from entering the U.S. as a result of the designation.

What they're saying: "We stand committed to supporting democracy and promoting accountability for corrupt officials," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a tweet on Friday.

• "We will continue working with (President Mario Abdo Benítez) and his government, against corruption and impunity, while promoting the economic growth of both countries," Ostfield said in a tweet.