RPT-United States backs Strauss-Kahn for IMF top post

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WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday threw its support behind former French finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn's bid to become the next head of the International Monetary Fund.

The endorsement came a day before the Frenchman, who also has the backing of the 27-member European Union, is scheduled to be interviewed by the IMF's board of member countries.

In a statement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urged the board to "positively consider" Strauss-Kahn to succeed IMF Managing Director Rodrigo Rato, saying he would pursue reforms on exchange rate policies.

"The U.S. is supporting Mr. Strauss-Kahn because we believe he will work to make the bold reforms necessary to lead a strong and relevant fund into the future," Paulson said.

"Mr. Strauss-Kahn's experience and drive have prepared him well to vigorously pursue reform of the IMF, including implementation of the Fund's new decision on exchange rate policies and giving a greater voice to emerging market countries."

The United States' support for Strauss-Kahn will almost certainly guarantee him the captaincy of the Washington-based global financial institution because of the combined influence and voting power of the United States and Europe.

The board interviewed Strauss-Kahn's rival, former Czech central banker Josef Tosovsky, on Tuesday.

Tosovsky was nominated by Russia in what appeared to be a direct challenge to western Europe, which has customarily appointed the head of the IMF while the United States picks the president of the World Bank.