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France confirms consular contact with IMF chief

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-18 06:45

The buildings of the jail at Rikers Island where International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn is being held after being denied bail subsequent to being arrested and charged on Sunday with sexually assaulting a New York hotel maid, are seen in New York May 17, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - French Foreign Ministry confirmed Tuesday that French consul-general has met with confined IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the consular mission of protection will continue.

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In a regular press briefing, the ministry spokesman Bertrand Valero said French consular protection conforms to two principles: "respect for the independence of American justice," and meeting with Strauss-Kahn to ensure that "everything goes well for him during the detention."

"We are in contact with US authorities, the IMF, but not with the judge," Valero said.

Previous reports said the consul-general of France had met with the chief of International Money Fund (IMF) on Saturday night New York time under the regular rules of consular protection.

When inquired about the successor of the IMF chief, the spokesman said French authority would speak at a proper moment, but for the time being, it's important for the IMF to continue its mission in current international financial situation.  

Strauss-Kahn was arrested by New York police Saturday for alleged sexual attack against a hotel maid.