The Associated Press

FRANKFURT, Germany - The European Central Bank is reviewing whether to issue one-euro and two-euro banknotes in addition to the existing coins, a spokesman said Friday after officials in some countries said small bills would be more convenient.

Bank spokesman Manfred Koerber said bank officials were reviewing the lineup of banknotes in preparation for the introduction of euro cash on Jan. 1.

Currently, however, "there are no plans to introduce low-denomination bills," he said.

The issue was raised in recent days by countries that formerly had bills for small amounts.

Among such countries are Italy, whose smallest bill was the 1,000-lire note - worth 52 euro cents (53 cents); and Austria, which had a 20-schilling bill, worth 1.46 euros ($1.49).

At present, the smallest bill is the 5-euro note, worth $5.10.