By James Coomerasamy in Paris

The former French Foreign Minister, Roland Dumas, has resigned as head of France's highest court, the Constitutional Council, following his indictment on corruption charges.

Mr Dumas is under investigation for his part in alleged misuse of corporate funds at the Elf oil company and has been subjected to a week and a half of increasing pressure.

Since his indictment on corruption charges was confirmed, politicians from all parties have suggested that the former foreign minister should resign from France's fifth highest post.

He had stepped down on a temporary basis last March but had hoped to clear his name and return to office.

Ex-mistress

Mr Dumas, 77, was a close friend of former President Francois Mitterrand and headed France's Foreign Ministry for a total of seven years.

It is alleged that he used his influence to secure a job at the former state owned oil company, Elf Aquitaine, for his ex-mistress, Christine Deviers-Joncour.

He is also accused of benefiting from cash payments she received from the company worth around $10 million.

Mr Dumas came under investigation two years ago but has always protested his innocence.

He had hoped to avoid a trial but when technical objections were thrown out by France's appeal court two weeks ago his fate became clear.

He will now stand trial, probably in the autumn, together with several other people, including his ex-lover and a former senior official with Elf.