French pol to speak on Strauss-Kahn accusations

[July 20, 2011]  PARIS (AP) -- A French presidential hopeful says he is ready to answer investigators' questions about a writer's accusation that Dominique Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her.

Writer Tristane Banon's lawyer says Francois Hollande, former chief of France's Socialist Party, was informed of the alleged attack.

Hollande, who wants to run in next year's presidential elections, said in remarks broadcast on French television Wednesday, "I am completely ready" to be questioned about the "supposed incident."

Strauss-Kahn was the head of the International Monetary Fund and considered a contender for France's presidency before he was arrested in New York in May on charges he tried to rape a hotel maid.

Later, Banon filed a separate complaint in France. Strauss-Kahn denies wrongdoing.

[Associated Press]

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