FACTBOX-Recent comments on BOJ governor selection

(For more stories on the BOJ governor succession, click on [ID:nT55777) Feb 20 (Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui's term ends on March 19, and the government is expected to name candidates to succeed Fukui and the central bank's two deputy governors before the end of the month.

Current Deputy Governor Toshiro Muto is seen as the leading candidate to replace Fukui, though it was unclear if he could win the backing of the main opposition Democratic Party.

The opposition could block a nominee through its control of the upper house because the governor's appointment must be approved by both houses of parliament.

Following are recent comments by Japanese policymakers on the selection of the next governor.

PRIME MINISTER YASUO FUKUDA, Feb. 20, in parliament:

"It requires sound insight on international finance as well as experience (to become the BOJ governor)."

"There are important responsibilities of managing monetary policy and achieving stability in the financial system. There is also a big responsibility in international finance, and it is growing important every year."

ICHIRO OZAWA, LEADER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, THE MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY, Feb. 19, in a news conference:

"If I were to appoint the BOJ governor, I would consider it in terms of how we can destroy the dominance of the bureaucracy in this country."