German banker meets Merkel amid ECB job rumors

[February 11, 2011]  BERLIN (AP) -- Angela Merkel's spokesman says the head of Germany's central bank will meet with the chancellor amid speculation that he will not pursue the European Central Bank's top job.

Steffen Seibert told reporters that Merkel and Axel Weber would meet later Friday behind closed doors in Berlin and then issue a written statement.

Weber, who has reportedly pulled out of the race for the ECB's presidency, on Thursday said any decisions on his future would be made in "close coordination" with Merkel.

Weber had indicated earlier he may not seek a new eight-year term term at the Bundesbank when his current one expires next year. He had been widely viewed as the front-runner to replace Jean-Claude Trichet as ECB president when the Frenchman's term expires in October.

[Associated Press]

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