National Bank of Serbia Governor Radovan Jelasic considered by bankers and investors as a moderate voice of reason during the economic crisis.submitted his resignation today.

Jelasic during a press conference said that the resignation submitted for personal reasons and that his decision is final.

"I give only resignation for personal reasons and there was no political pressure," said Jelasic at a news conference, adding that he had already informed the President and Prime Minister of Serbia Boris Tadic and Mirko Cvetkovic.He said he would stay until parliament appoints a successor.

The unexpected news of his resignation quickly led to a fall in the value of the dinar to as low as 99.84 to the euro from 99.5 earlier in the day.

The National Bank of Serbia sold EUR 10 million yesterday to bolster trading and ensure smooth operation of the foreign exchange market.