Strauss-Kahn's arrest in New York on Saturday dashed his prospects of running for the French presidency in 2012 and has sparked debate over the 65-year-old tradition that a European is appointed as head of the Washington-based global lender.

"I deny with the greatest possible firmness all of the allegations that have been made against me," Strauss-Kahn said in a resignation letter released by the IMF and dated May 18. "I want to devote all my strength, all my time, and all my energy to proving my innocence."

Later on Thursday, the former French finance minister was to make his second request to be released on $1 million cash bail and placed under 24-hour house arrest until his trial on charges of attempting to rape a hotel maid, his lawyers said.

He is being held in New York's grim Rikers Island jail.

Reuters