ECB chief rules out quitting soon as bank keeps rates unchanged

Wim Duisenberg, President of the European Central Bank, ruled out any prospect that he would step down from his post halfway through his term, by making clear on 11 October 2001 that he wanted to stay in his job for at least the next year. His statement is likely to revive discussion on whether he will fulfill the promise he made on appointment in May 1998, to retire before the end of his eight-year term. Mr Duisenberg made his position clear at a news conference after the Governing Council of the ECB opted to keep its main interest rate at 3.75%.