DSK prepares to return to France

DOMINIQUE Strauss-Kahn says he "cannot wait" to return to France, after sex assault charges against him in New York were dropped.

The former French finance minister addressed reporters briefly outside his house yesterday, and said he would speak "at greater length" once back in his native country.

"I can't wait to return to my country, but I still have a few small things to do before then," he said.

In a written statement, he added: "These past two-and-a-half months have been a nightmare for me and my family.

"I want to thank all the friends in France and in the United States, who believed in my innocence, and to the thousands of people who sent us their support personally and in writing.

"I am most deeply grateful to my wife and family who have gone through this ordeal with me. This is the end of a terrible and unjust ordeal."

His Socialist Party colleagues were quick to welcome the news. François Hollande said he was "rejoicing", and Martine Aubry said she was "very happy".

Strauss-Kahn could still face trial in France over rape claims made by writer Tristane Banon, which date back eight years. An investigation is under way to assess whether there is enough evidence to proceed.

Banon's lawyer, David Joubbi, said she was "in a fighting mood" and "not ready to let this drop".

He told 20 Minutes: "The DSK affair in France has only just begun."