Strauss-Kahn Resigns: Sex Seems Too Expensive For Him

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By STAFF Writer
THURSDAY, May 19, 2011

Maintaining his innocence while battling with sexual charges, International Monetary Fund Chairman has resigned from his post, saying he served the post with “honor and devotion”.

He sent a letter to the IMF board, denying any involvement in sexual assault with a hotel maid. In his letter he said with “greatest possible firmness” that he was not involved in any sexual transgression, giving his resignation to protect the institution, which he (said) served with dedication and honor. He further emphasized on proving his innocence, devoting his time, strength and energy.

Mr. Strauss-Kahn said that he forced to resign with “infinite sadness.”

It was earlier reported that Mr. Strauss-Kahn was placed on a suicide watch, but one of his attorneys, William Taylor, said his client was in acceptable mental condition.

“It was serious, but good," said Taylor. "He is a strong man and he is committed to seeing this through."

The resignation suddenly bewildered IMF board, igniting dispute over a successor. Presently his deputy, John Lipsky, an American, will serve as acting managing director. There are many contenders already lined up where fast growing economic nations like China, Brazil and South Africa want to break Europe’s monopoly over the post.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says developing economies can have their rights to fight for the post, but seeing the present turmoil in the eurozone demands a European IMF leader. On the other hand, Brazil's finance minister, Guido Mantega says the post should be filled on the basis on merit.

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Straus-Kahn Victim Of Sarkozy's Smear Campaign: Ally

By ETHAN Markoff
May 17, 2011

WORLD NEWS - After the denial of bail in a sex assault case in a New York City courtroom Monday, there is another brewing. In a recent comment by a possibly a Socialist candidate, who is also believed to be a close associate of Strauss-Kahn in France presidential election, said Saturday the IMF chief was persecuted for a smear campaign by President Nicolas Sarkozy’s camp.

Socialist politician Jean-Marie Le Guen expressed in his interview said Mr. Sarkozy totally planned an organized campaign to taint the character of his main rival in next year election. He said the Elysee (Sarkozy’s office) structured for months to clear out the idea how they would attack (his) personal character.

Jean Veil, Strauss-Kahn's lawyer said he would probably file a legal action against a French newspaper, questioning about the lifestyle of his client. He further added that the newspaper produced several inaccurate details such a possession of suits from a luxury tailor in Washington and described him a worker from US President Barack Obama.

"His suits are perfectly normal and allegations which are now spread regularly throughout the media are both fabrications and now clearly defamatory," Le Guen said.

It is noted that in a recent opinion polls suggested Mr. Strauss-Kahn would win the Socialist Party primaries against French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

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IMF’s Strauss-Kahn Sex Charge Allegations

IMF’s Strauss-Kahn Produces At NY Court For Sex Charges

By ETHAN Markoff
May 16, 2011

WORLD NEWS - International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn appeared at the court in New York for a sexual charge accused for an attempted to rape a hotel maid. Meanwhile, Mr. Strauss-Kahn denied the charge, dismissing it as a political conspiracy. It is noted that he had been seen a candidate in France's 2012 presidential election.

Adding insult to the injury, a similar complaint had been lodged by a French writer who said that Mr. Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted her in 2002.

This is the first time when Mr. Straus-Kahn had appeared in court since he was pulled off a plane in May 14 for sexually abuse a hotel maid.

He was sitting at John F. Kennedy International Airport prepared to depart, shortly arrested and took a seat on a bench in Manhattan criminal court.

He is charged with unlawful imprisonment and a criminal sex act. However, 62 year-old Mr. Strauss-Kahn had denied the allegation. His lawyer Benjamin Brafman said he would plead not guilty at court.

According to New York Police Department, the 32-year-old hotel mail works at Sofitel hotel in midtown Manhattan who was attacked by IMF chief during his visit to the hotel.
The wood-lined courtroom was packed with journalists, general public and even a French consulate representative. Strauss-Kahn's lawyer Benjamin Brafman defended his client denying the allegation that Mr. Strauss-Kahn trapped the maid in a hotel and tried to rape her.
The accused victim used to work from last three years at the luxury Sofitel hotel alleged Mr. Strauss-Kahn suddenly Sunday and won a warrant against him to seek DNA evidence.

"He intends to vigorously defend these charges and denies any wrongdoing," Brafman told reporters.

The shocking news of one of the world’s most powerful men left IMA staggering just before the significant discussion over the debt crisis sweeping the eurozone.

Mr. Strauss-Kahn's wife, former French television journalist defended his husband, saying he was fenced in a political conspiracy and did not believe. She also asked for "decency and restraint".

The arrest triggered a reeling speculation across France over the authenticity of the allegation, as many think it might because of political motives. It is noted that IMF chief had been seen a strong political contender for France’s next year Presidential election.

However, the history of Mr. Strauss-Kahn is not spotless, as he was mired with controversy earlier. In 2008, he was noticed for an affair with a Hungarian IMF economist. He was loosely alleged for inappropriate behavior but the IMF concluded he had not exerted pressure on the lady.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn Political career

Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, since 2007.

Governmental functions

• Minister of Industry and Foreign trade, 1991–1993.
• Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry, 1997–1999 (resignation).
  

Electoral mandates

Member of the National Assembly of France for Val d'Oise, 1986–1991 Reelected in 1997, was minister 2001–2007. Elected in 1986, reelected in 1988, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2007.

Regional Council

Regional councillor of Ile-de-France, 1998–2001 (resignation).

Municipal Council

• Mayor of Sarcelles, 1995–1997 (resignation).
• Deputy-mayor of Sarcelles, 1997–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007). Reelected in 2001.
• Municipal councillor of Sarcelles, 1989–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007). Reelected in 1995, 2001.

Agglomeration community Council

• President of the Agglomeration community of Val de France, 2002–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007).
• Member of the Agglomeration community of Val de France, 2002–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007).

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