'Fully operational' despite leader's arrest

WASHINGTON – The International Monetary Fund remains "fully operational," a spokeswoman said Monday after its executive board met informally to consider the criminal charges filed against its managing director.

Caroline Atkinson, the spokeswoman, said the IMF's board received verbal reports about the charges from John Lipsky, the acting managing director, and Sean Hagan, the fund's lawyer.

Atkinson announced no further steps. The IMF's managing director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, hasn't yet formally stepped down, though few analysts think he can survive the charges.

"Staff here in Washington are continuing their work," Atkinson said.