French President Nicolas Sarkozy has rejected claims by Dominique Strauss-Kahn that his party was behind the former IMF chief's downfall.

Mr Sarkozy told reporters Mr Strauss-Kahn should keep quiet and "spare the French his remarks."

Mr Strauss-Kahn told Britain's Guardian newspaper that sex allegations against him were orchestrated by opponents.

He said although he did not believe he had been set up, events were "shaped by those with a political agenda".