Duisenberg says big nations not guaranteed seats on ECB executive board

European Central Bank President Wim Duisenberg said there is no guarantee a large nation such as France should have a seat on the ECB's executive board.

In an interview with La Tribune to be published tomorrow, Duisenberg was asked whether it is thinkable that a nation the size of France could be left without an executive board member, when French vice president Christian Noyer steps down on June 1.

"The size of a country is not one of the critera explicitly mentioned in the (Maastricht) treaty concerning the qualities required for the members of its (the ECB's) executive council," he said.

"Lots of experience in banking and international finance - these are the only elements," Duisenberg said.

Duisenberg also indicated his own departure is not imminent, even though he reiterated it is improbable he will see out his full eight year term.

"It does not make sense to change the executive council at a time of great turbulence," he said.

Duisenberg also expressed hope the UK will join monetary union, as this would represent a "significant enlargement" for the euro area.

But he also cautioned the UK would have to abandon the Bank of England's practice of publishing the minutes of its monetary policy meetings, as this is not something the ECB wants to adopt.