Former ECB president found dead

Duisenberg "died a natural death, due to drowning, after a cardiac problem," said Jean-Francois Sanpieri, a state prosecutor in the nearby town of Carpentras.

He was found late on Sunday morning in the villa's swimming pool.

Hans Eichel, German finance minister, said: "He played a central role in the successful build-up of European economic and monetary union."

Nout Wellink, who succeeded Mr Duisenberg as president of the Dutch central bank, said: "We have lost a great man. Wim Duisenberg meant much for the Netherlands and Europe." Jan Peter Balkenende, Dutch prime minister, said the Netherlands had lost a "distinctive personality with a great international reputation".

"I wish to express my deep sorrow upon learning of the sudden death, yesterday, of Wim Duisenberg," Javier Solana, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy said in a written statement.

"His death marks the loss of one of the architects of Europe's most tangible signs of integration -- the euro, which was introduced successfully during his tenure as the first President of the European Central Bank," said the statement. "I take the opportunity to convey my sincere condolences to his family and closest associates," Solana added.