DSK sex charges 'to be dropped'

SEX assault charges against former French finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn in New York are likely to be dropped this week, according to reports in the US.

The New York Post claims the Manhattan district attorney will decide not to pursue the case brought by hotel maid Nafissatou Diallo because of a lack of evidence and inconsistencies in her claims.

News agency Associated Press has spoken to "a person familiar with the case" who has confirmed the report.

Strauss-Kahn stepped down as head of the International Monetary Fund after he was arrested in May following the alleged incident at the Sofitel in New York.

He is due in court on Tuesday. He still faces a civil action brought by the maid - and a separate rape claim in France by writer Tristane Banon, dating back to 2002.

DSK was considered a likely Socialist candidate for next year's presidential elections in France.

He has missed the deadline for the party's primary elections but could still choose to stand as an independent if cleared.