AFP - Former French president Jacques Chirac declared Wednesday he had "nothing to be ashamed of" and that he was ready to face trial for corruption.

Last week, an investigating judge ordered the 76-year-old statesman to answer charges in court of misuse of public funds dating back from his time as Paris mayor in the 1990s.

In his first public comments since the trial order, Chirac told Europe 1 radio that he would go willingly before the court "to explain myself with serenity and determination."

"I've nothing to be ashamed of," said Chirac.

"The judge considers that I must stand trial before the criminal court. I contest this view. I will therefore naturally go before the tribunal to explain myself as every citizen has the duty to do."

Chirac, who was president for 12 years, prime minister for six and mayor of Paris for 18, is accused of using the city payroll to provide salaries for aides who were in reality working for his right-wing political party.

Investigators say he created fictitious jobs for nine allies between 1992 and 1995 using city funds.

Prosecutors had decided last September that there was not sufficient evidence to order a trial for Chirac, but judge Xaviere Simeoni decided the case should be heard despite that finding.

Chirac said he did not want the prosecution to appeal the judge's trial order and judicial officials separately said the Paris prosecutor's office would not challenge it.

Chirac's trial is expected to take place next year and the former president faces up to 10 years in jail and a 150,000-euro (222,500-dollar) fine if convicted.

News about Chirac's pending trial came as the former president was returning to the public eye, more than two years after leaving the Elysee palace, with the release of his memoirs.

"Every Step Should Be a Goal" went on sale in bookstores recounting the ex-presidents' childhood in Correze, deep in rural France, and his political career up to his election as president.

A second volume of his autobiography on his 12 years in the Elysee palace is expected to be released next year.