Writer calls for meeting with Strauss-Kahn

PARIS, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- A French writer who alleges Dominique Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted her in 2003 is publicly calling for a face-to-face meeting.

Tristine Banon told RTL radio she would "like to see him opposite me and tell me straight to my face that it was all made up. I would like to see him say that."

Strauss-Kahn, former head of the International Monetary Fund, has denied Banon's allegation and is suing her for slander.

Banon, who pressed charges this year after Strauss-Kahn was arrested in New York for allegedly assaulting a hotel maid, said she decided to speak publicly about the 2003 allegations after the 62-year-old French politician went on television Sunday to proclaim his innocence, The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.

It was Strauss-Kahn's first interview since the U.S. charges against him were dropped last month, the report said.