The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a statement? on Wednesday that Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn informed the Executive Board of the?Fund of his intention to resign as Managing Director with immediate effect.??

"It is with infinite sadness that I feel compelled today to present to the Executive Board my resignation from my post of Managing Director of the IMF," said Strauss-Kahn in his resignation statement.??

"I deny with the greatest possible firmness all of the allegations that have been made against me," said Strauss-Kahn.

"I want to protect this institution which I have served with honor and devotion, and especially—especially—I want to devote all my strength, all my time, and all my energy to proving my innocence," he added.??

The Fund will communicate in the near future on the Executive Board's process of selecting a new Managing Director. Meanwhile, Mr. John Lipsky remains Acting Managing Director.