IMF Statements on IMF Former Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn
Thursday, May 25, 2011
In response to a recent article in The New York Times, the IMF Staff Association issued the following statement:
"Fund staff - both men and women - perform at the highest professional levels to carry out the mandate of the institution and deliver the high caliber work that our member countries are accustomed to. We frankly do not recognize the characterization of the Fund put forth in the recent New York Times and other similar articles, which claim that there is an environment of sexual intimidation or a culture of gender discrimination throughout the Fund. The Fund, like any other organization, public or private, does unfortunately experience incidents of such inappropriate and unacceptable behavior. We strongly believe that even one such incident is too many, and we have been, and remain, strongly committed to helping any staff who have faced them. The Fund has a code of conduct, and an active dispute resolution system which is available to all staff and sensitive to issues of discrimination, harassment, or intimidation, whether they be sexual in nature or otherwise. We continue to work on making sure that these are effective mechanisms for staff, and that our culture of strong ethical values reflects the high standards our membership expects from us."
Friday, May 20, 2011
In response to questions, and reports regarding annual payments by the IMF to former Managing Director Strauss-Kahn, we have the following to offer:
"Former Managing Director Strauss-Kahn’s annual pension and related entitlements have been grossly over-estimated in media reports this week, and appear based erroneously on a one-off separation payment of $250,000. The annual payments would be far, far less than that amount in subsequent years."
For reference: Press Release No. 07/245- Terms of Appointment of Dominique Strauss-Kahn as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (November 2, 2007)
Friday, May 20, 2011
In response to questions regarding a story in today’s New York Times, IMF Spokesman William Murray have the following to offer:
"This is not the Fund we know and work in. Is it a perfect place? No. But this report creates an impression of institutionalized harassment and disrespect. That is not the case. Harassment is not tolerated in the institution."
"Let me remind you about a few other points:
What is the Fund's policy on harassment?
The Fund's policy on harassment, including sexual harassment, is strict and consistent with best practices. It makes clear that harassment in any form is not tolerated, constitutes misconduct, and triggers disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment.
What is the Fund's policy on close personal relationships at work?
Fund policies on personal relationships are strong and consistent with best practice, including in the United States. Under the Fund's new standards of staff conduct, approved on May 6 and which applies to both staff and management, a close personal relationship between a supervisor and subordinate presents a potential conflict of interest and must be reported and resolved, usually by reassignment of one of the individuals to a different work unit. Failure to report and then resolve the potential conflict of interest constitutes misconduct and is grounds for disciplinary action. Under some circumstances, such a relationship may also constitute harassment and would be investigated. If found to exist, harassment is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
In response to questions about the selection process for the next managing director, the IMF issued the following to the press:
"The Dean of the IMF Executive Board is initiating contacts with his colleagues today about the selection process for the Managing Director."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn Resigns
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
In response to inquiries following remarks by the U.S. Treasury Secretary on the status of the acting Managing Director, the following can be attributed to William Murray, an IMF spokesman:
"John Lipsky is acting Managing Director and as such, has the authority to conduct the regular business of the Fund."
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The following can be attributed to William Murray, an IMF spokesman, in response to questions regarding contact with the Managing Director and on speculation in media about his status:
“We have not had contact with the Managing Director since his arrest in New York. Obviously, it will be important to be in contact with him in due course.
We are aware of widespread speculation about the Managing Director’s status. We have no comment on this speculation, other than to note, as we did earlier this week, that the Executive Board was briefed informally on developments regarding his arrest in New York. We continue to monitor developments. Meanwhile, Mr. John Lipsky remains acting Managing Director, and the Fund continues its normal work.”
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The following can be attributed to William Murray, an IMF spokesman, in response to questions on Managing Director Strauss-Kahn's immunity from prosecution:
"The MD's immunities are limited and are not applicable to this case"
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Hotels:
In response to questions, we offer the following:
IMF staff have clear rules for where they may stay and how much they may pay on official travel, with an established system of preferred hotels and set rates, negotiated centrally. The Sofitel is not on the list of New York hotels, which are generally standard business hotels. At present, the maximum hotel rate in New York for staff on official business is $386 a night, including tax and service charges.
The Managing Director was staying in New York on private business. As such, he pays out of his own pocket for hotels. I would refer you to the Managing Director’s private lawyer, Bill Taylor, 202 431 6373 for any more information.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The following can be attributed to William Murray, an IMF spokesman:
"The tentatively scheduled informal briefing of the Executive Board has been postponed pending further developments in New York.
"Let me remind you what we said earlier today:
“In line with standard IMF procedures, John Lipsky, First Deputy Managing Director, is Acting Managing Director while the MD is not in DC. Mr. Lipsky will chair the informal Board session today.
”Ms. Nemat Shafik, the Deputy Managing Director who oversees the IMF's work in a number of EU countries, will attend Monday's Eurogroup meeting in Brussels.
"Lastly, we refer you again to the statement published earlier today regarding the Managing Director."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Statement on IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn
IMF EXTERNAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
| Public Affairs | Media Relations | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-mail: | publicaffairs@imf.org | E-mail: | media@imf.org | |
| Fax: | 202-623-6220 | Phone: | 202-623-7100 | |