Curt Here...
Today, the leaders of the EU have chosen Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy to be the first President of the EU and UK trade commissioner Catherine Ashton to become the first EU foreign policy chief. Both of these appointees are virtual unknowns in the EU political world and are somewhat surprising selections.
Neither from my perspective appear to be political heavyweights, and specifically in the case Catherine Ashton. She has never held a senior ministerial position in the UK, and she has no foreign policy experience. Leaving Biblical prophecy out of this discussion for just a second and looking as this from a purely political perspective, I am having a very hard time making any sense of it.
Keep in my mind that the bureaucrats within the EU have been trying for years to get the Lisbon Treaty passed. They had fought for this treaty for many reasons, but one of the publicly stated reasons was so that they could unite under one foreign policy and have a strong single voice to articulate their positions to the world. No offense to Catherine Ashton (I have to admit I know nothing about here, and I suppose she could prove me wrong) but is this really the strongest voice the EU has to offer? Something is not adding up, and I am not sure what it is.
In the meantime, obviously Javier Solana did not get appointed to either position, but this does not necessary mean that this is the end for Solana. In another article published today he was asked by the author, why are you stepping down? He replied, "One thing is that the EU has opened a new page and different stories what individuals do. I am a European and I have been working for the EU … before I was born. But I think I've been working in the position for 15 years and the position had to be changed and people have to be moved and that is healthy for any organization. That is healthy for the countries that we represent. That does not mean that I am going to sleep – I will be working for the same ideals from a different position.
I have yet to hear what this "different position" is exactly, although it is rumored that part of it will be some sort of advisor to the newly appointed Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton. So Javier Solana is going to work for Catherine Ashton? That doesn't feel right at all.
Is this the end of the ENP/Solana theory? To soon to tell.
Stay Tuned
Curt
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EU chooses unknowns for new top jobs
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - EU leaders have chosen Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy to be the first president of the European Council, while UK trade commissioner Catherine Ashton will become the bloc's foreign policy chief.
Welcoming the decision on Thursday evening (19 November), Swedish leader Fredrik Reinfeldt said: "What we were seeking were people to create continuity" and "to be the voice and face of Europe throughout the world."
Mr Van Rompuy, from the centre-right political family, is a trained economist and has been running Belgium for less than a year. He writes Haiku (Japanese verse) and is known for his low-key style, which includes a line in self-deprecatory humour and caravan holidays.
He came to prominence after Germany and France a few weeks ago agreed between themselves to promote him. Several diplomats subsequently suggested that his short term in office stood to his advantage as he has had no time to make enemies among other EU leaders...
...Catherine Ashton, meanwhile, emerged relatively late in the race to be the EU's top diplomat. Her name appeared after UK foreign secretary David Milliband, the preferred candidate at the beginning, said he was not interested in the job.
With the EU president being a man, from a small country and from the centre-right, Ms Ashton balances the scales in terms of gender, coming from the left and being from a big country.
Balancing these criteria is a part of any major EU decision, with conservatives laying claim to the presidency post early on in the game and the left later saying the top diplomat should be one of their own.
Ms Ashton, trade commissioner since October last year, has no foreign policy experience and has never held a senior ministerial post.
She said it was a measure of "her slight surprise" that - unlike Mr Van Rompuy - she did not have a prepared speech but pledged to "represent [European] values across the world."
Ms Ashton, who still has to be approved by the European Parliament, highlighted her skills by pointing to her success in negotiating a free trade agreement with South Korea, the EU's largest ever bilateral trade deal.
http://euobserver.com/9/29024
Solana: I am not a revolutionary
When people are tired of you and you are not ready to leave that is not a democracy, believes Javier Solana, who is about to step down as the EU's foreign policy chief in an interview with RT.
Why are you stepping down?
Javier Solana: One thing is that the EU has opened a new page and different stories what individuals do. I am a European and I have been working for the EU … before I was born. But I think I've been working in the position for 15 years and the position had to be changed and people have to be moved and that is healthy for any organization. That is healthy for the countries that we represent. That does not mean that I am going to sleep – I will be working for the same ideals from a different position.
http://www.russiatoday.com/Politics/2009-11-19/solana-eu-russia-democracy.html
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Netanyahu Threatens to Retaliate if Palestinians Declare Statehood
Curt Here...
According to the article posted below Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to retaliate if the Palestinians declare a unilateral state. The Palestinians are also considering seeking a UN resolution to declare a state of Palestine. He said, "Any unilateral action would only unravel the framework of agreements between us and can only lead to one-sided steps on the part of Israel." The implications are clear, Israel will do whatever it takes to protect themselves no matter how it may affect those around them.
The article goes on to say that the declaration would largely be symbolic as the US would likely veto any UN resolution. This I am not so sure about. As I stated in one of my past commentaries on this subject I don't believe the Palestinians will seek a UN resolution until they are convinced that it will pass. I think they are actively working behind the scenes to convince the leaders of the world to support this eventual UN resolution. In my mind there are a couple of very telling statements in this article that supports this idea.
The first is from Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat when he said, "We are going to have to prepare for this well and to hold political and diplomatic talks. We want the Security Council to discuss this only after we've been given assurances. There is no point in rushing just so that we collide with an American veto." He went on to say, "The endgame is to tell the Israelis that now the international community has recognized the two-state solution on the '67 borders."
I think most of the rest of the world is already on board with this idea as it is suggested at the end of the article, and with an already strained relationship between the Obama Administration and Netanyahu, I don't suspect it will be to long before the US decides not to veto such a resolution.
Time is short.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
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Netanyahu Threatens to Retaliate if Palestinians Declare Statehood
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to retaliate if Palestinians declare a unilateral state, saying such a move would unravel existing agreements with the Israelis.
Netanyahu’s stern comments come the same day that a senior Palestinian official told Fox News they are considering a U.N. resolution to declare a Palestinian state. Palestinian officials had said Sunday they were preparing to ask the United Nations to endorse an independent state without Israel's consent because they were losing faith in the peace talks.
But Netanyahu, speaking at the Saban Forum in Jerusalem, said there is “no substitute” for negotiations.
"Any unilateral action would only unravel the framework of agreements between us and can only lead to one-sided steps on the part of Israel," he said. He did not elaborate further.
The statehood idea appeared to be largely symbolic. The U.S., Israel's closest ally, would likely veto any initiative at the United Nations, and Israel controls the areas where the Palestinians want to establish their homeland. Nonetheless, the move reflected growing Palestinian frustration with the deadlock in peace efforts....
...Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said frustrated Palestinians had decided to turn to the U.N. Security Council after 18 years of on-again, off-again negotiations with Israel. The Palestinians seek an independent state that includes the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem — areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war.
"Now is our defining moment. We went into this peace process in order to achieve a two-state solution," he said. "The endgame is to tell the Israelis that now the international community has recognized the two-state solution on the '67 borders." ...
... "We are going to have to prepare for this well and to hold political and diplomatic talks. We want the Security Council to discuss this only after we've been given assurances," he told the Israeli daily Maariv. "There is no point in rushing just so that we collide with an American veto."
As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the U.S. wields veto power over any resolution. Israeli media predicted that the U.S., Israel's key ally, would veto the move. Hamad said Abbas would travel to Cairo Wednesday to discuss the plan with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
There was no immediate reaction from Security Council members. But Erekat said Russia, another permanent member of the Security Council, and unspecified European nations are "on board" with the Palestinian plan.
For the rest of the article go here.. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575223,00.html
According to the article posted below Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to retaliate if the Palestinians declare a unilateral state. The Palestinians are also considering seeking a UN resolution to declare a state of Palestine. He said, "Any unilateral action would only unravel the framework of agreements between us and can only lead to one-sided steps on the part of Israel." The implications are clear, Israel will do whatever it takes to protect themselves no matter how it may affect those around them.
The article goes on to say that the declaration would largely be symbolic as the US would likely veto any UN resolution. This I am not so sure about. As I stated in one of my past commentaries on this subject I don't believe the Palestinians will seek a UN resolution until they are convinced that it will pass. I think they are actively working behind the scenes to convince the leaders of the world to support this eventual UN resolution. In my mind there are a couple of very telling statements in this article that supports this idea.
The first is from Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat when he said, "We are going to have to prepare for this well and to hold political and diplomatic talks. We want the Security Council to discuss this only after we've been given assurances. There is no point in rushing just so that we collide with an American veto." He went on to say, "The endgame is to tell the Israelis that now the international community has recognized the two-state solution on the '67 borders."
I think most of the rest of the world is already on board with this idea as it is suggested at the end of the article, and with an already strained relationship between the Obama Administration and Netanyahu, I don't suspect it will be to long before the US decides not to veto such a resolution.
Time is short.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Netanyahu Threatens to Retaliate if Palestinians Declare Statehood
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to retaliate if Palestinians declare a unilateral state, saying such a move would unravel existing agreements with the Israelis.
Netanyahu’s stern comments come the same day that a senior Palestinian official told Fox News they are considering a U.N. resolution to declare a Palestinian state. Palestinian officials had said Sunday they were preparing to ask the United Nations to endorse an independent state without Israel's consent because they were losing faith in the peace talks.
But Netanyahu, speaking at the Saban Forum in Jerusalem, said there is “no substitute” for negotiations.
"Any unilateral action would only unravel the framework of agreements between us and can only lead to one-sided steps on the part of Israel," he said. He did not elaborate further.
The statehood idea appeared to be largely symbolic. The U.S., Israel's closest ally, would likely veto any initiative at the United Nations, and Israel controls the areas where the Palestinians want to establish their homeland. Nonetheless, the move reflected growing Palestinian frustration with the deadlock in peace efforts....
...Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said frustrated Palestinians had decided to turn to the U.N. Security Council after 18 years of on-again, off-again negotiations with Israel. The Palestinians seek an independent state that includes the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem — areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war.
"Now is our defining moment. We went into this peace process in order to achieve a two-state solution," he said. "The endgame is to tell the Israelis that now the international community has recognized the two-state solution on the '67 borders." ...
... "We are going to have to prepare for this well and to hold political and diplomatic talks. We want the Security Council to discuss this only after we've been given assurances," he told the Israeli daily Maariv. "There is no point in rushing just so that we collide with an American veto."
As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the U.S. wields veto power over any resolution. Israeli media predicted that the U.S., Israel's key ally, would veto the move. Hamad said Abbas would travel to Cairo Wednesday to discuss the plan with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
There was no immediate reaction from Security Council members. But Erekat said Russia, another permanent member of the Security Council, and unspecified European nations are "on board" with the Palestinian plan.
For the rest of the article go here.. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575223,00.html
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
EU to Name New Foreign Minister on November 19th
Curt Here...
Just a quick update as it looks like the date of November 19Th will be the date the EU selects it's first president and first foreign minister under the ratified Lisbon Treaty. These selections will occur at a EU summit called specifically for this purpose. There was some speculation earlier this week that this would be accomplished faster, but after a few days of behind the scenes negotiations it is clear the powers that be in Brussels have not yet reached an agreement on who should head these posts.
A couple of interesting developments as it appears that Tony Blair and David Miliband, both from the UK have been eliminated as possible candidates. The current leading candidate for the position of EU president is Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy, and since Miliband took himself out of consideration for the FM position there does not appear to be a anyone right now that is currently favored.
Could Javier Solana be sitting in the shadows, waiting to ride in and save the day?
Stay Tuned
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU to name first permanent president on 19 November
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The Swedish presidency has called an EU summit on 19 November to decide on the bloc's new top appointments, with a Polish proposal to hold candidate hearings gaining limited acceptance.
The summit will be in the format of an EU leaders' dinner in Brussels and comes after two weeks of consultations between Stockholm and the other EU capitals.
"It is hoped that at the summit, agreement can be reached on the appointment of the three new top EU posts regulated in the Treaty of Lisbon," the presidency said in a statement on Wednesday morning (11 November).
The move will be a significant moment in the history of the EU, which started out as a free trade bloc 50 years ago but which is little by little acquiring the trappings of a genuine political union.
The three positions in question are the new president of the European Council and EU foreign relations chief, as well as the largely bureaucratic appointment of a new secretary general of the Council, the Brussels-based institution which prepares member states' day-to-day meetings.
Gossip still favours Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy for the presidency post but British foreign minister David Miliband's denials of interest in the second post have thrown the race open on the foreign relations side.
For more click the link...
http://euobserver.com/9/28973/?rk=1
Just a quick update as it looks like the date of November 19Th will be the date the EU selects it's first president and first foreign minister under the ratified Lisbon Treaty. These selections will occur at a EU summit called specifically for this purpose. There was some speculation earlier this week that this would be accomplished faster, but after a few days of behind the scenes negotiations it is clear the powers that be in Brussels have not yet reached an agreement on who should head these posts.
A couple of interesting developments as it appears that Tony Blair and David Miliband, both from the UK have been eliminated as possible candidates. The current leading candidate for the position of EU president is Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy, and since Miliband took himself out of consideration for the FM position there does not appear to be a anyone right now that is currently favored.
Could Javier Solana be sitting in the shadows, waiting to ride in and save the day?
Stay Tuned
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU to name first permanent president on 19 November
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The Swedish presidency has called an EU summit on 19 November to decide on the bloc's new top appointments, with a Polish proposal to hold candidate hearings gaining limited acceptance.
The summit will be in the format of an EU leaders' dinner in Brussels and comes after two weeks of consultations between Stockholm and the other EU capitals.
"It is hoped that at the summit, agreement can be reached on the appointment of the three new top EU posts regulated in the Treaty of Lisbon," the presidency said in a statement on Wednesday morning (11 November).
The move will be a significant moment in the history of the EU, which started out as a free trade bloc 50 years ago but which is little by little acquiring the trappings of a genuine political union.
The three positions in question are the new president of the European Council and EU foreign relations chief, as well as the largely bureaucratic appointment of a new secretary general of the Council, the Brussels-based institution which prepares member states' day-to-day meetings.
Gossip still favours Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy for the presidency post but British foreign minister David Miliband's denials of interest in the second post have thrown the race open on the foreign relations side.
For more click the link...
http://euobserver.com/9/28973/?rk=1
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Possible Unilateral Palestinian Declaration of Statehood
Curt Here...
Things are starting to get real interesting, as the article posted below suggests that the Palestinians are close to a declaration of independence within the 1967 borders. The article goes on to say that the UN could then potentially recognize this state via United Nations Security Council Resolution. This would be a very bold declaration by the Palestinians, but in my humble opinion not one that the they would attempt unless they knew for certain that they had international support for it.
As the article suggest there could very well be international support for this, not only from the EU but also from the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington to discuss this very issue with the President Obama as he lobby's the President to veto such a resolution in the UN Security Council if it were to come up. If he is not successful in convincing Obama, then the writing could be on the wall. This would be a good time to pray for our Nation.
If this were to happen, then this would pave the way for future fulfillment of prophecy, as the areas that fall within the 1967 borders, are Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem including the Temple Mount (See Luke 21:20-21,Zechariah 14:2 and many other passages). This has been hinted at for quite some time as I have been reporting, and it is exactly what I suspect will happen, whether it happens in the very near future or down the road a ways.
On top of this news, the next week is a very important week within the EU as they select their first president and first foreign minister under the Lisbon Treaty. The latest suggest that this could occur as soon as Monday, but it could get very interesting as the fight for power is played out. I will update as the news breaks.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PM heads to U.S. under threat of Palestinian statehood declaration
Concerns are growing in Israel's government over the possibility of a unilateral Palestinian declaration of independence within the 1967 borders, a move which could potentially be recognized by the United Nations Security Council.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently asked the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to veto any such proposal, after reports reached Jerusalem of support for such a declaration from major European Union countries, and apparently also certain U.S. officials.
The reports indicated that Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has reached a secret understanding with the Obama administration over U.S. recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Such recognition would likely transform any Israeli presence across the Green Line, even in Jerusalem, into an illegal incursion to which the Palestinians would be entitled to engage in measures of self-defense.
In late August Fayyad presented the international community with a detailed plan for building up Palestinian Authority institutions and set a timetable of up to two years for its implementation. Senior Israeli officials said Fayyad's plan initially met with positive reaction in Jerusalem for its emphasis on institution-building and making security services more efficient.
But some Israeli officials told Haaretz that alongside the clauses reported in the media - which are similar to elements of Netanyahu's call for "economic peace" between Israel and the Palestinians - Fayyad's plan also contains a classified, unreleased portion stipulating a unilateral declaration of independence.
The plan specifies that at the end of a designated period for bolstering national institutions the PA, in conjunction with the Arab League, would file a "claim of sovereignty" to the UN Security Council and General Assembly over the borders of June 4, 1967 (before the outbreak of the Six-Day War, during which Israel took control of the West Bank and Gaza).
Fayyad is also seeking a new Security Council resolution to replace Resolutions 242 and 338 in the hope of winning the international community's support for the borders of a Palestinian state and applying stronger pressure on Israel to withdraw from the West Bank.
Several Israeli officials told Haaretz that Fayyad had spoken to them of positive responses he had received over the plan from prominent EU member states, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Sweden. Fayyad added that he presented the proposal to the U.S. administration and did not receive any signal of opposition in response.
Netanyahu's "kitchen cabinet" has held a number of meetings on the matter in recent months. "It's a very dangerous move," said a senior Israeli foreign-policy official. "More and more cabinet ministers understand that diplomatic inaction on Israel's part is likely to bring international support for the Fayyad program."
Israeli sources said Netanyahu discussed the proposal in meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and special Mideast envoy George Mitchell and requested that the U.S. tell Fayyad that it would not support his proposal and would veto it in the Security Council. Netanyahu has yet to receive a clear response from Washington on its stance on Fayyad's plan.
For more click the link...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1126594.html
Things are starting to get real interesting, as the article posted below suggests that the Palestinians are close to a declaration of independence within the 1967 borders. The article goes on to say that the UN could then potentially recognize this state via United Nations Security Council Resolution. This would be a very bold declaration by the Palestinians, but in my humble opinion not one that the they would attempt unless they knew for certain that they had international support for it.
As the article suggest there could very well be international support for this, not only from the EU but also from the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington to discuss this very issue with the President Obama as he lobby's the President to veto such a resolution in the UN Security Council if it were to come up. If he is not successful in convincing Obama, then the writing could be on the wall. This would be a good time to pray for our Nation.
If this were to happen, then this would pave the way for future fulfillment of prophecy, as the areas that fall within the 1967 borders, are Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem including the Temple Mount (See Luke 21:20-21,Zechariah 14:2 and many other passages). This has been hinted at for quite some time as I have been reporting, and it is exactly what I suspect will happen, whether it happens in the very near future or down the road a ways.
On top of this news, the next week is a very important week within the EU as they select their first president and first foreign minister under the Lisbon Treaty. The latest suggest that this could occur as soon as Monday, but it could get very interesting as the fight for power is played out. I will update as the news breaks.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PM heads to U.S. under threat of Palestinian statehood declaration
Concerns are growing in Israel's government over the possibility of a unilateral Palestinian declaration of independence within the 1967 borders, a move which could potentially be recognized by the United Nations Security Council.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently asked the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to veto any such proposal, after reports reached Jerusalem of support for such a declaration from major European Union countries, and apparently also certain U.S. officials.
The reports indicated that Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has reached a secret understanding with the Obama administration over U.S. recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Such recognition would likely transform any Israeli presence across the Green Line, even in Jerusalem, into an illegal incursion to which the Palestinians would be entitled to engage in measures of self-defense.
In late August Fayyad presented the international community with a detailed plan for building up Palestinian Authority institutions and set a timetable of up to two years for its implementation. Senior Israeli officials said Fayyad's plan initially met with positive reaction in Jerusalem for its emphasis on institution-building and making security services more efficient.
But some Israeli officials told Haaretz that alongside the clauses reported in the media - which are similar to elements of Netanyahu's call for "economic peace" between Israel and the Palestinians - Fayyad's plan also contains a classified, unreleased portion stipulating a unilateral declaration of independence.
The plan specifies that at the end of a designated period for bolstering national institutions the PA, in conjunction with the Arab League, would file a "claim of sovereignty" to the UN Security Council and General Assembly over the borders of June 4, 1967 (before the outbreak of the Six-Day War, during which Israel took control of the West Bank and Gaza).
Fayyad is also seeking a new Security Council resolution to replace Resolutions 242 and 338 in the hope of winning the international community's support for the borders of a Palestinian state and applying stronger pressure on Israel to withdraw from the West Bank.
Several Israeli officials told Haaretz that Fayyad had spoken to them of positive responses he had received over the plan from prominent EU member states, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Sweden. Fayyad added that he presented the proposal to the U.S. administration and did not receive any signal of opposition in response.
Netanyahu's "kitchen cabinet" has held a number of meetings on the matter in recent months. "It's a very dangerous move," said a senior Israeli foreign-policy official. "More and more cabinet ministers understand that diplomatic inaction on Israel's part is likely to bring international support for the Fayyad program."
Israeli sources said Netanyahu discussed the proposal in meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and special Mideast envoy George Mitchell and requested that the U.S. tell Fayyad that it would not support his proposal and would veto it in the Security Council. Netanyahu has yet to receive a clear response from Washington on its stance on Fayyad's plan.
For more click the link...
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1126594.html
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Czech President Vaclav Klaus Signs EU Lisbon Treaty
Curt Here...
Hello everyone, today brings some exciting news, especially if you are a student of Bible Prophecy. This morning, November 3rd, 2009 the Czech President Vaclav Klaus signed the EU's Lisbon Treaty, becoming the 27Th and final EU country to ratify the Treaty, effectively putting it into law.
He signed the Treaty soon after the Czech Republic's constitutional court ruled that the Lisbon Treaty was compatible with the Czech constitution. The Treaty could come into force as early as next month, which would bring about what many Biblical prophecy students have been watching for and that is the Revived Roman Empire.
With the new Treaty comes two new jobs, the president of the European Council, and a EU foreign minister. The latest news suggests that negotiations on who will be appointed to these new posts will begin as soon as November 12. Of these two new positions the EU foreign minister is the one to watch as it will have the most power under the Lisbon Treaty.
The real questions that are yet to be answered from my perspective is of course centered around the future of Javier Solana. He was scheduled to retire in the middle of October, but his retirement was delayed because the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty was delayed, due to the Czech Republic's constitutional question. Since that has now been resolved, what happens to Javier Solana? Will he actually retire? Does he somehow become the new foreign minister? Does the 7 year ENP agreement that Javier Solana crafted and convinced Israel to sign have any prophetic Biblical significance?
My guess is that over the next couple of months, some of these questions may begin to get answered.
Stay Tuned
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Klaus signature completes EU treaty ratification
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – Czech President Vaclav Klaus has finally signed the Lisbon Treaty, ending a highly drawn out ratification process that left many wondering whether the document's provisions would ever see the light of day.
"I signed the Lisbon Treaty today at 15.00 (CET)," Klaus told reporters on Tuesday (3 November).
His signature, the last of EU leaders, follows on from a Czech constitutional court decision early on Tuesday morning that ruled in favour of the Lisbon Treaty's compatibility with the Czech constitution.
"It's now absolutely clear that the Lisbon Treaty will enter into force soon," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso upon hearing the news.
Swedish prime minister and current EU president Fredrik Reinfeldt also sought to draw a line under the process.
"His signature ends a far too long period of institutional focus within the EU. It opens up for a more democratic, transparent and efficient Union," he said.
Welcoming the news, European parliament president Jerzy Buzek said his institution was now ready to swing into action to get a new commission up and running.
"We need a new and strong European Commission in place as soon as possible. The European Parliament will be ready as of the 25 November to start the hearings of the new commissioners- designate," he said.
New Jobs
As well as appointing a new set of commissioners, the EU can now move ahead with the planned overhaul of its institutions and the appointment of several new positions intended to increase the bloc's standing on the world stage.
All of these decisions had been held up by the political uncertainty in Prague, with Mr Barroso saying he can only assemble his commission team when it is clear who will become EU foreign minister, a new post that will see the person also act as vice-president of the commission.
Mr Reinfeldt said he would now engage in a round of name consultations for the new posts to be set up under the Lisbon Treaty. "As soon as possible I will also call for an EU summit," he said, with current rumours suggesting the meeting could be held as soon as 12 November.
The other top post created by the treaty is the president of the European Council.
Former UK prime minister Tony Blair's chances of securing this job suffered a setback last week when some Socialist leaders failed to support his bid. Current Dutch prime minister, Jan Peter Balkenende, and the current Belgian prime minister, Herman van Rompuy, now look like frontrunners to secure the job.
Both are from Europe's centre-right family, leaving the position of high representative for foreign affairs likely to go to a Socialist. The UK's current foreign minister David Miliband is though to be a favourite. However, it is not precluded that new names emerge for the posts in the coming days.
The treaty, which reduces member states' veto power in several areas and hands a chunk of co-legislative power to MEPs, could come into force as early as next month.
http://euobserver.com/9/28932
Hello everyone, today brings some exciting news, especially if you are a student of Bible Prophecy. This morning, November 3rd, 2009 the Czech President Vaclav Klaus signed the EU's Lisbon Treaty, becoming the 27Th and final EU country to ratify the Treaty, effectively putting it into law.
He signed the Treaty soon after the Czech Republic's constitutional court ruled that the Lisbon Treaty was compatible with the Czech constitution. The Treaty could come into force as early as next month, which would bring about what many Biblical prophecy students have been watching for and that is the Revived Roman Empire.
With the new Treaty comes two new jobs, the president of the European Council, and a EU foreign minister. The latest news suggests that negotiations on who will be appointed to these new posts will begin as soon as November 12. Of these two new positions the EU foreign minister is the one to watch as it will have the most power under the Lisbon Treaty.
The real questions that are yet to be answered from my perspective is of course centered around the future of Javier Solana. He was scheduled to retire in the middle of October, but his retirement was delayed because the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty was delayed, due to the Czech Republic's constitutional question. Since that has now been resolved, what happens to Javier Solana? Will he actually retire? Does he somehow become the new foreign minister? Does the 7 year ENP agreement that Javier Solana crafted and convinced Israel to sign have any prophetic Biblical significance?
My guess is that over the next couple of months, some of these questions may begin to get answered.
Stay Tuned
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Klaus signature completes EU treaty ratification
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – Czech President Vaclav Klaus has finally signed the Lisbon Treaty, ending a highly drawn out ratification process that left many wondering whether the document's provisions would ever see the light of day.
"I signed the Lisbon Treaty today at 15.00 (CET)," Klaus told reporters on Tuesday (3 November).
His signature, the last of EU leaders, follows on from a Czech constitutional court decision early on Tuesday morning that ruled in favour of the Lisbon Treaty's compatibility with the Czech constitution.
"It's now absolutely clear that the Lisbon Treaty will enter into force soon," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso upon hearing the news.
Swedish prime minister and current EU president Fredrik Reinfeldt also sought to draw a line under the process.
"His signature ends a far too long period of institutional focus within the EU. It opens up for a more democratic, transparent and efficient Union," he said.
Welcoming the news, European parliament president Jerzy Buzek said his institution was now ready to swing into action to get a new commission up and running.
"We need a new and strong European Commission in place as soon as possible. The European Parliament will be ready as of the 25 November to start the hearings of the new commissioners- designate," he said.
New Jobs
As well as appointing a new set of commissioners, the EU can now move ahead with the planned overhaul of its institutions and the appointment of several new positions intended to increase the bloc's standing on the world stage.
All of these decisions had been held up by the political uncertainty in Prague, with Mr Barroso saying he can only assemble his commission team when it is clear who will become EU foreign minister, a new post that will see the person also act as vice-president of the commission.
Mr Reinfeldt said he would now engage in a round of name consultations for the new posts to be set up under the Lisbon Treaty. "As soon as possible I will also call for an EU summit," he said, with current rumours suggesting the meeting could be held as soon as 12 November.
The other top post created by the treaty is the president of the European Council.
Former UK prime minister Tony Blair's chances of securing this job suffered a setback last week when some Socialist leaders failed to support his bid. Current Dutch prime minister, Jan Peter Balkenende, and the current Belgian prime minister, Herman van Rompuy, now look like frontrunners to secure the job.
Both are from Europe's centre-right family, leaving the position of high representative for foreign affairs likely to go to a Socialist. The UK's current foreign minister David Miliband is though to be a favourite. However, it is not precluded that new names emerge for the posts in the coming days.
The treaty, which reduces member states' veto power in several areas and hands a chunk of co-legislative power to MEPs, could come into force as early as next month.
http://euobserver.com/9/28932
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Israeli Government Will Soon have to Choose Between World, Settlers
Curt Here...
Thanks to Pastor Brian for finding the article posted below.
As this blog and many other faithful watchers have been reporting, the signs of our Saviors return are all around us. So, I find it very interesting to read an opinion of the times that we live in, from someone who does not view things through the end times eyes that I use. It is an added bonus when that persons opinion is from Israel.
According to the author of the article below, the nation of Israel is being surrounded. He states, "One needs to be truly deaf or foolish in order not to notice what is happening around us: We are being surrounded." He goes on to say that even though most good Jews realize this is happening they are essentialy choosing to ignore this reality.
The thoughts this author is expressing is somewhat shocking to me because scripture is clear that at some point Jerusalem will be surrounded by the armies of the world. Read Luke 21:20-21 and Zechariah 14:2, According to these passages some of the Jewish people seem to ignore the warnings that they are currently starting to see at their own perril.
Luke 21:20-21
20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.
21 "Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city;
Zechariah 14:2
2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.
The author goes on to say that he fears that Israel is running out of friends in the world and at some point the world may force an agreement on Israel. This is exactly what I have been saying for months. I think there is good chance that the world through UN resolution will at some point force Israel to comply with it's existing EU agreements. (See the many posts on this blog about the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP))
This was origianly suggested by the EU's High Representative Javeier Solana, when he said in a speech that "After a fixed deadline, a U.N. Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution." (Go here for more http://the70thweek.blogspot.com/2009/07/eus-solana-calls-for-un-to-recognise.html ) President Barack Obama quickly supported this idea, by saying that a two state solution including a new Palestinian state should be established with a strict timeline and with a binding time table. (Go here for more http://the70thweek.blogspot.com/2009/07/obama-to-announce-new-peace-plan-soon.html )
For those who have not been following this closely the Palestinians want the old city of Jerusalem as their captial. This is the area of the Temple Mount and many other religious sites.
I think this article proves that even the Jewish people are beginning to see the storm that is approaching. It is very sad to watch from afar and realize many of the Jewish people will not awaken in time to the truth of Christ before all this goes down. I believe it is time to pray for the people of Israel and also pray that we will be able to continue to sound the alarm for all those who will listen.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obama or Wallerstein
Israeli government will soon have to choose between world, settlers
One needs to be truly deaf or foolish in order not to notice what is happening around us: We are being surrounded. Future historians may divide the State of Israel’s existence into two periods – the first one would comprise our first 62 years; the second phase is starting now.
Good Jews in the Land of Israel are clearly seeing what is happening around us but are choosing to repress it. Up until now, something would happen that would interfere with logic and the course of events. These people are counting on the Heavens. Yes, they admit that things are not looking good, but “God will show mercy.” Something will happen and He will save us.
However, it appears that recently they are no long working overtime up in the skies, and many people in Israel are again reverting to the good old tune: “The whole world is against us.” After all, we are deeply in love with the biblical statement about a “people dwelling alone.”....
World has grown tired of us
...The US still offers great support to Israel, and White House officials are angry over every statement from here that claims otherwise. However, as noted, only a deaf or a fool would not see what is happening. With a great measure of exaggeration, we can say that the US is throwing Israel to the dogs. And there are numerous dogs out there, just waiting for this opportunity.
For 42 years they have claimed that Israel is a rogue state that is rebelling against and laughing at the whole world, so now the time has come to show Bibi Netanyahu and his colleagues who shall have the last laugh. The result of this is that dozens of countries, including some that used to be sympathetic to Israel, have spoken out against us recently and will continue to do so. A thousand phone calls by Netanyahu will not put out this fire.
Bibi, Barak, and their colleagues will apparently soon have to make a decision: Are they going with Barack Obama, Gordon Brown, Ban Ki-moon and others, or with settler leaders Pinchas Wallerstein and Danielle Weiss. We can’t have it both ways.
The world has grown tired of us; the same world that wishes to see quiet prevail despite Iraq and Afghanistan. Hence, it will be the same world, which is not necessarily right and isn’t responsible for its wrong decisions, which will soon try to impose some sort of sanctions against us (and the cancelation of the drill with Turkey is this type of sanction) similarly to the sanctions imposed on South Africa.
And if this world will lose all its patience and get truly upset, it may even try to force an agreement upon us, depending on America’s mood that day.
For the full article click the link...
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3796484,00.html
Thanks to Pastor Brian for finding the article posted below.
As this blog and many other faithful watchers have been reporting, the signs of our Saviors return are all around us. So, I find it very interesting to read an opinion of the times that we live in, from someone who does not view things through the end times eyes that I use. It is an added bonus when that persons opinion is from Israel.
According to the author of the article below, the nation of Israel is being surrounded. He states, "One needs to be truly deaf or foolish in order not to notice what is happening around us: We are being surrounded." He goes on to say that even though most good Jews realize this is happening they are essentialy choosing to ignore this reality.
The thoughts this author is expressing is somewhat shocking to me because scripture is clear that at some point Jerusalem will be surrounded by the armies of the world. Read Luke 21:20-21 and Zechariah 14:2, According to these passages some of the Jewish people seem to ignore the warnings that they are currently starting to see at their own perril.
Luke 21:20-21
20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.
21 "Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city;
Zechariah 14:2
2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.
The author goes on to say that he fears that Israel is running out of friends in the world and at some point the world may force an agreement on Israel. This is exactly what I have been saying for months. I think there is good chance that the world through UN resolution will at some point force Israel to comply with it's existing EU agreements. (See the many posts on this blog about the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP))
This was origianly suggested by the EU's High Representative Javeier Solana, when he said in a speech that "After a fixed deadline, a U.N. Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution." (Go here for more http://the70thweek.blogspot.com/2009/07/eus-solana-calls-for-un-to-recognise.html ) President Barack Obama quickly supported this idea, by saying that a two state solution including a new Palestinian state should be established with a strict timeline and with a binding time table. (Go here for more http://the70thweek.blogspot.com/2009/07/obama-to-announce-new-peace-plan-soon.html )
For those who have not been following this closely the Palestinians want the old city of Jerusalem as their captial. This is the area of the Temple Mount and many other religious sites.
I think this article proves that even the Jewish people are beginning to see the storm that is approaching. It is very sad to watch from afar and realize many of the Jewish people will not awaken in time to the truth of Christ before all this goes down. I believe it is time to pray for the people of Israel and also pray that we will be able to continue to sound the alarm for all those who will listen.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obama or Wallerstein
Israeli government will soon have to choose between world, settlers
One needs to be truly deaf or foolish in order not to notice what is happening around us: We are being surrounded. Future historians may divide the State of Israel’s existence into two periods – the first one would comprise our first 62 years; the second phase is starting now.
Good Jews in the Land of Israel are clearly seeing what is happening around us but are choosing to repress it. Up until now, something would happen that would interfere with logic and the course of events. These people are counting on the Heavens. Yes, they admit that things are not looking good, but “God will show mercy.” Something will happen and He will save us.
However, it appears that recently they are no long working overtime up in the skies, and many people in Israel are again reverting to the good old tune: “The whole world is against us.” After all, we are deeply in love with the biblical statement about a “people dwelling alone.”....
World has grown tired of us
...The US still offers great support to Israel, and White House officials are angry over every statement from here that claims otherwise. However, as noted, only a deaf or a fool would not see what is happening. With a great measure of exaggeration, we can say that the US is throwing Israel to the dogs. And there are numerous dogs out there, just waiting for this opportunity.
For 42 years they have claimed that Israel is a rogue state that is rebelling against and laughing at the whole world, so now the time has come to show Bibi Netanyahu and his colleagues who shall have the last laugh. The result of this is that dozens of countries, including some that used to be sympathetic to Israel, have spoken out against us recently and will continue to do so. A thousand phone calls by Netanyahu will not put out this fire.
Bibi, Barak, and their colleagues will apparently soon have to make a decision: Are they going with Barack Obama, Gordon Brown, Ban Ki-moon and others, or with settler leaders Pinchas Wallerstein and Danielle Weiss. We can’t have it both ways.
The world has grown tired of us; the same world that wishes to see quiet prevail despite Iraq and Afghanistan. Hence, it will be the same world, which is not necessarily right and isn’t responsible for its wrong decisions, which will soon try to impose some sort of sanctions against us (and the cancelation of the drill with Turkey is this type of sanction) similarly to the sanctions imposed on South Africa.
And if this world will lose all its patience and get truly upset, it may even try to force an agreement upon us, depending on America’s mood that day.
For the full article click the link...
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3796484,00.html
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Solana: Palestinian State in 1967 Borders
Curt Here...
Hello everyone, sorry for the time between now and my last blog entry.
It is crazy, that even though almost daily, there are amazing and possibly prophetic events occurring in this confusing world I am finding it more and more difficult to articulate these events in such a manner that doesn't add to the confusion. I guess I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, as it is becoming more and more plain to me that our Savior is coming soon (Praise God). It is also very frustrating to me that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are not seeing the signs of His soon return, and because of this they could be caught at some point unaware. Is anyone else experiencing this frustration or is it just me?
Having said that, I will press on and fight the good fight, but your prayers are appreciated.
Today's news is not a great surprise to me as Javier Solana said in a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that the EU is dedicated to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He said that this state should be established within the 1967 boarders. This means the boarders that existed prior to the 1967 Israeli six day war.
He said that the sooner this happens the better. He went on to say "the time to do it is now. Nothing has been done in the world without taking risks." I find it very interesting that the country that would take the greatest risk for this to go forward is of course not the EU but Israel. Seems like this is pretty easy for Solana to say, especially when it is not his country that is fighting for it's very existence.
One final thought, for the record Javier Solana was scheduled to retire 4 days ago. Due to the current delay in the ultimate approval of the Lisbon Treaty his retirement has been indefinitely postponed. As far as I can tell he still shows no signs of retiring anytime soon. He has been very active in the Middle East over the last few days, trying to convince all sides to move forward on a agreement towards establishing a Palestinian State.
I wonder if and when he is going to get the power to continue for 42 months.
Revelation 13:5
5. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Stay Tuned
Curt
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Solana: Palestinian state in 1967 borders
European Union's Foreign Policy chief says after meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah EU is dedicated to establishment of Palestinian state, says the sooner this happens, the better
Ynet Published: 10.21.09, 12:06 / Israel News
EU Foreign Policy chief Javier Solana said the European Union's goal is to establish a Palestinian state in the 1967 borders.
Speaking in Ramallah on Wednesday, Solana said the sooner this happens, the better.
Solana met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday morning, and is scheduled to meet later with Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
His visit to the Palestinian Authority is aimed at highlighting the EU's commitment to the region and supporting the PA leadership.
Solana is slated to visit Israel on Thursday, and meet with Israeli officials.
During his visit to Ramallah, Solana said there may be a need to exchange certain territories, but he said this should not disrupt the territory's continuity.
He said EU's stance in the matter is similar to that of the Quartet on the Middle East, and expressed his support of Abbas' efforts to unite the Palestinian people in light of the current dispute between his Fatah party and Hamas.
Solana's meeting with Abbas came before the latter's trip to Egypt. After the meeting, Solana said that Abbas took off to Cairo where reconciliation talks between the two Palestinian factions are ongoing, and stressed that Abbas is dedicated to closing a deal.
Later Wednesday, Solana told the Israeli Presidential Conference in Jerusalem that the world must not accept an Iranian nuclear bomb. According to Solana, "Tomorrow is today and we have no time to lose."
As for the peace process in the Middle East, Solana called for limited negotiations. "The time to do it is now. Nothing has been done in the world without taking risks."
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3793236,00.html
Hello everyone, sorry for the time between now and my last blog entry.
It is crazy, that even though almost daily, there are amazing and possibly prophetic events occurring in this confusing world I am finding it more and more difficult to articulate these events in such a manner that doesn't add to the confusion. I guess I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, as it is becoming more and more plain to me that our Savior is coming soon (Praise God). It is also very frustrating to me that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are not seeing the signs of His soon return, and because of this they could be caught at some point unaware. Is anyone else experiencing this frustration or is it just me?
Having said that, I will press on and fight the good fight, but your prayers are appreciated.
Today's news is not a great surprise to me as Javier Solana said in a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that the EU is dedicated to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He said that this state should be established within the 1967 boarders. This means the boarders that existed prior to the 1967 Israeli six day war.
He said that the sooner this happens the better. He went on to say "the time to do it is now. Nothing has been done in the world without taking risks." I find it very interesting that the country that would take the greatest risk for this to go forward is of course not the EU but Israel. Seems like this is pretty easy for Solana to say, especially when it is not his country that is fighting for it's very existence.
One final thought, for the record Javier Solana was scheduled to retire 4 days ago. Due to the current delay in the ultimate approval of the Lisbon Treaty his retirement has been indefinitely postponed. As far as I can tell he still shows no signs of retiring anytime soon. He has been very active in the Middle East over the last few days, trying to convince all sides to move forward on a agreement towards establishing a Palestinian State.
I wonder if and when he is going to get the power to continue for 42 months.
Revelation 13:5
5. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Stay Tuned
Curt
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Solana: Palestinian state in 1967 borders
European Union's Foreign Policy chief says after meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah EU is dedicated to establishment of Palestinian state, says the sooner this happens, the better
Ynet Published: 10.21.09, 12:06 / Israel News
EU Foreign Policy chief Javier Solana said the European Union's goal is to establish a Palestinian state in the 1967 borders.
Speaking in Ramallah on Wednesday, Solana said the sooner this happens, the better.
Solana met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday morning, and is scheduled to meet later with Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
His visit to the Palestinian Authority is aimed at highlighting the EU's commitment to the region and supporting the PA leadership.
Solana is slated to visit Israel on Thursday, and meet with Israeli officials.
During his visit to Ramallah, Solana said there may be a need to exchange certain territories, but he said this should not disrupt the territory's continuity.
He said EU's stance in the matter is similar to that of the Quartet on the Middle East, and expressed his support of Abbas' efforts to unite the Palestinian people in light of the current dispute between his Fatah party and Hamas.
Solana's meeting with Abbas came before the latter's trip to Egypt. After the meeting, Solana said that Abbas took off to Cairo where reconciliation talks between the two Palestinian factions are ongoing, and stressed that Abbas is dedicated to closing a deal.
Later Wednesday, Solana told the Israeli Presidential Conference in Jerusalem that the world must not accept an Iranian nuclear bomb. According to Solana, "Tomorrow is today and we have no time to lose."
As for the peace process in the Middle East, Solana called for limited negotiations. "The time to do it is now. Nothing has been done in the world without taking risks."
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3793236,00.html
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