Thursday, December 24, 2009

Zapatero to Tab Javier Solana

Curt Here...

First off, I just want to say Merry Christmas to everyone that follows this blog. Let us never forget the true meaning of Christmas, the reason we celebrate. From Luke 2:11 - for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Our Savior was born 2000 years ago, the Savior from my sins and yours, Praise God, and he is coming again soon.

I also want to thank everyone who reads, comments and for the many prayers from my fellow watchers. It is very much appreciated.

Thanks to shampoo, a poster over at http://www.fulfilledprophecy.com/ for not only finding this article posted below but translating it into English.

Not long ago Javier Solana retired from EU politics, but it has been clear from my research and from listening to Javier Solana himself that he still has the desire to be involved in international politics. Today he got his wish as Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero has appointed Javier Solana to head the Spanish Security Strategy. This position will analyse the vital interests of the Spanish and the assessment of risks and threats to Spain.

The thing that makes this so intriguing is the fact that on January 1st, Spain will take over the rotating presidency of not only the EU, but also the WEU. Prime Minster Zapatero will head both positions. If you have been following this blog and others, you will know that the WEU controls the military power of the EU, especially in the case of crisis management. You would also know that WEU document, Recommendation 666, gives the Secretary General of the WEU power to convene the EU council in the event of an emergency. The Secretary General of the WEU is currently vacant, since Javier Solana retired.

With Javier Solana taking over Spain's security strategy, (which for the next six months will be the entire EU's security strategy since Spain will be in charge) are we seeing Javier Solana position himself in such a way that he could be put in a position of power in the event of an emergency? Obviously, it is way to soon to tell, but this latest development is quite intriguing. I will continue to watch this with great interest and report as warranted.

Stay Tuned.

Curt

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Zapatero tab to Javier Solana

The former foreign minister and former senior representative of the European Union again? National policy to design the new security strategy


Fourteen years after leaving the post of foreign minister to start a fruitful career in international organizations, Javier Solana will hold office in Spanish politics. Zapatero has decided not to miss the experience and good international image until recently the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union has mandated the development of the Spanish Security Strategy. The Cabinet yesterday made official the appointment to a position that will be based on analysis of vital interest to the Spanish and the assessment of risks and threats to Spain.

After leaving his position in the European Union, Solana was signed by the ESADE business school to head its new research center in economics and geopolitics, but so far had shown no intention of returning to public office. In fact, Solana said at all times that his future would be in college. Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, said yesterday that the Security Strategy was one of Zapatero's proposals in his inaugural speech. Now, Solana be defined before November 30 a text defining the objectives, indicate priorities, quantify budgets, secure collaboration and plan budgetary efforts for submission to Congress as the president promised.

Solana's return to the front line strengthens the profile of the Zapatero administration, which passes at this time precisely because of difficulties due to international conflict and security issues as fishing Alakrana sequestration, that of the three Spanish aid workers and the crisis in Mauritania caused by the Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar, occurring within days of Zapatero himself holding the rotating presidency of the European Union. International contacts also former secretary general of NATO guarantees the president a greater capacity for dialogue during this period. In his new role, Solana will report directly to the Prime Minister.

De la Vega said yesterday that the analysis of risks and threats to Spain will "make the strategic lines of action not only from the perspective of the military defense or public safety, but from all aspects of a modern concept Security demands today. Solana defined as "a person of great experience and knowledge," with a "high trajectory" and that until just weeks ago has been "a great European High Representative.

Contacts with Solana have been so secret that on Tuesday Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, said in Congress to a request by Mr Jordi XuclĂ  CiU for the government to seize the "vast experience", pointing to Solana for any charges, saying that "if the occasion arises, the Government requested" the assistance of the former minister.

During the entire time they were occupying positions in international institutions, Solana has held sway in the party and is considered one of the most respected politicians in the PSOE. In fact, during that time continued to belong to the federal committee of the PSOE, but at the 37th Congress of the Spanish Socialists, held in 2008, was not renewed in positions of leadership.

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/espana/2009/12/24/0003_8191022.htm?idioma=galego

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Israel: EU Official's 'Occupation' Remark Casts Pall on Ties

Curt Here...

The recent rhetoric between the new EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and the nation of Israel are interesting to say the least. In response to Lady Ashton's harsh remarks earlier this week that in the EU's view, "East Jerusalem is occupied territory, together with the West Bank," Israeli government officials today responded by saying that they were surprised that she would display such criticism without even visiting Israel. They went on to say that they were particularly angry that she didn't welcome the recent Israeli declaration to freeze settlement construction for the next 10 months. Instead Ashton described the freeze as a "fist step."

Her point came through loud and clear, a 10 month temporary construction freeze will not be sufficient. This mentality within the EU is starting to become the dominate opinion as soon after Ashton's speech a number of EU MEPs from the Liberal side of the house called for punitive measures against Israel, including the suspension of the EU's Association Agreement. The Association Agreement they are referring to is the one that Israel originally agreed to under the EURO-MED Barcelona Process and then later this agreement along with Israels ENP Action plan became known as the European Neighborhood Policy.

Could this really be happening? Is the EU really threatening to break their seven year ENP agreement with Israel, if Israel does not give up Judea, Samaria and the Temple Mount and hand over these areas to the Palestinians so they can establish a Palestinian State? At the very least it is heading in this direction.

On a side note, earlier this week Javier Solana accepted a job as a professior for the ESADE Business School. He will preside over the new ESADE Centre for Global Economy and Geopolitics. The topic of Solana is still a large question to me, especially since we seem to still be advancing down the ENP path. My guess is that the whole story still has not been told.

Stay Tuned.

Curt

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Israel: EU official's 'occupation' remark casts pall on ties

Government officials in Jerusalem harshly criticized the new European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, for her scathing remarks about the "Israeli occupation" in her maiden speech.

Ashton on Tuesday leveled scathing criticism at Israeli policy in her first speech as the European Union's first high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

The government officials in Jerusalem said they were surprised, dissatisfied and concerned that such a senior figure had expressed criticism before visiting Israel and learning the facts.

They said the remarks cast a pall over relations with the European Union, and that they were particularly angry that she had not welcomed the settlement construction freeze, as had her European colleagues.

The British stateswoman, who has also served as the Commissioner for Trade in the European Commission, said that in the EU's view, "East Jerusalem is occupied territory, together with the West Bank."

Ashton demanded that Israel immediately lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip, and reiterated that the union opposes the existence of the West Bank separation fence, as it opposes evictions of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem.

The stateswoman, whose full title is Baroness Ashton of Upholland, also only defined Israel's partial freeze of West Bank settlement construction as a "first step," as opposed to the warmer description of the move by EU foreign ministers, who last week took "positive note" of it.

In her address to MEPs in Strasbourg, Ashton, who was only recently appointed to the new position, said she had spoken with Israelis, Palestinians and the U.S. Secretary of State about the role the Quartet of international mediators, and that of its special envoy to the region, Tony Blair.

Ashton said she had told Blair personally that, "The Quartet [a special group set up by the U.S., EU, UN and Russia] must demonstrate that it is worth the money, that it is capable of being reinvigorated."

Following her comments, a number of MEPs from the Liberal side of the house called for punitive measures against Israel, including the suspension of the EU's Association Agreement. Irish centre-left member Proinsias De Rossa, who visited the West Bank last week, called Israel's treatment of Palestinians a form of "apartheid."

This time it was neither the "infamous" Swedish president who pulled the EU toward an anti-Israel resolution, nor a "daydreaming judge" in Britain who issued an arrest warrant against an Israeli foreign minister. Criticism of Israel has become the language of choice in European discourse.

When the Israeli government offers new benefits to settlers, and peace talks with the Palestinians are deadlocked, even the superpower's long arm is helpless. Even former U.S. ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk, a devout Jew who serves as an external advisor to U.S. President Barack Obama, does not hide his chagrin with the settlements policy.

Indyk has recently told Haaretz in an interview that statements by figures like Minister without Portfolio Benny Begin, according to which settlement construction will continue despite the moratorium, are damaging to Israel's interests. He said these comments, as well as the decision to pump funds into isolated settlements, strengthen the impression that the declaration of the freeze is not worth the paper it is written on. He warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will pay a political price for the move, without gaining the benefits which it was intended to grant Israel in the international arena.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1135787.html

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

EU: Jerusalem Should Be Joint Capital

Curt Here...

Today the EU foreign ministers in a prepared statement pressured Israel to accept Jerusalem as the shared capital of a future Palestinian state, and then urged the two sides in the Middle East conflict to return to negotiations as soon as possible. The final EU ministerial statement did not include an earlier Swedish draft resolution which explicitly stated that east Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount, should be the capital of a Palestinian state.

Even though the latter did not make the final statement it is obvious that many prominent leaders within the EU believe that Jerusalem and East Jerusalem should be divided with East Jerusalem being the capital of a future Palestinian state. This future Palestinian state would include the areas of Judea, Samaria and the West Bank. In my mind the only reason it did not make the final statement is because it seems as if the EU is not quite ready yet to stand behind such a declaration, but that day is coming and I fear sooner than many think.

When looking at this from a Biblical perspective it is absolutely amazing to me how close we could be to the fulfilment of prophecy. Here are a few scriptures to help support what I am saying.

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.

Joel 3:2
2. I will gather all the nations And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.
Then I will enter into judgment with them there On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; And they have divided up My land.

Revelation 11:1-2
1. Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it.
2. "Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months.

From the above scriptures it is clear that at the midpoint of the 70Th week of Daniel and at the same time in which the abomination of desolation occurs, Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies, half of the city will captured and then exiled. The city will then be divided and the Holy City (Temple Mount) will be given over to the nations for a period of 42 months, the exact same amount of time that the anti-christ will reign.

The fact that the EU is talking about dividing the city of Jerusalem, including the area of the Temple Mount, this should be a wake up call to all Christians that are looking for the return of Christ. At some point in time this will happen just as the Bible foretold and as we get closer to the midpoint of the seven year agreement (ENP) that I have been following on this site, is Biblical prophecy unfolding right before our eyes?

Stay Tuned

Curt

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EU: Jerusalem Should Be Joint Capital

European Union foreign ministers urged Israel and the Palestinians on Tuesday to make Jerusalem their shared capital, prompting a swift, angry reaction from Israel.

For their part Tuesday, the Palestinians announced a boycott of products made in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Palestinian Economics Minister Hassan Abu Libdeh said the government has already confiscated $1 million worth of products, including foods, cosmetics and hardware, and that he hoped to remove all such goods from Palestinian store shelves next year.

In Brussels, EU foreign ministers reiterated that the 27-member bloc would not recognize Israel's annexation of the eastern part of Jerusalem after it occupied it in the 1967 war. The ministers called for Israel to share Jerusalem as a capital with a future Palestinian state.

Although the EU has long opposed the annexation of east Jerusalem, the statement angered Israel and was sure to deepen Israel's sense that the Europeans favor Palestinian positions. President Barack Obama has been trying, so far in vain, to nudge the sides toward renewed peace talks.

''The EU will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties,'' said the ministerial statement. It was referring to the Mideast war in which Israeli forces captured east Jerusalem from the Jordanian army.

''If there is to be a genuine peace, a way must be found (through negotiations) to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states,'' it said.

The EU ministerial statement dropped an earlier Swedish draft resolution which explicitly stated that east Jerusalem -- the disputed part of the holy city -- should be the capital of a Palestinian state after Israel warned it would damage the bloc's ability to take part in any resumed peace talks as a negotiator.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry reacted immediately. ''We regret that the European Union chose to adopt the text,'' Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said in a statement. He said the statement ''does not contribute'' to promoting peace and ignores the Palestinians' refusal to resume talks.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas refuses to resume peace talks, which broke down a year ago, unless Israel halts all settlement construction.

The Palestinian prime minister, Salam Fayyad, welcomed Tuesday's EU statement. He said it gives Palestinians ''a better sense of hope and possibility about tomorrow.''

The competing claims to east Jerusalem remain perhaps the most explosive issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

East Jerusalem is home to sensitive Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites. The most contentious is the disputed hilltop compound known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. Temple Mount, home to the biblical Jewish Temples, is the holiest site in Judaism. It also is the site of the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam.

Palestinians have complained that Israel is trying to restrict their numbers in the eastern part of the city.

Some EU ministers supported the original Swedish proposal but others said it would risk undermining efforts to restart peace talks. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said after the meeting: ''We call on the Israeli government to cease all discriminatory treatment of the Palestinians in east Jerusalem.''

The ministers took ''positive note'' of Israel's recent decision to implement a temporary freeze on building new homes in West Bank settlements -- a decision that angered the Palestinians by excluding east Jerusalem.

But they emphasized that the settlements and a separation barrier Israel has built are on occupied land and that Israel's evictions and the demolition of Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem were illegal under international law.

The resolution said such Israeli actions ''constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible.''

The Palestinians have dismissed the Israeli's temporary building freeze as insincere because it excludes east Jerusalem and 3,000 homes already being built in the West Bank. Some 300,000 Israelis live in the West Bank, in addition to 180,000 Jewish Israelis in east Jerusalem.

Meanwhile Tuesday, the Palestinians' economics minister, Abu Libdeh, defended the Western-backed government's decision to remove settlement-built products from Palestinian stores. ''Consuming settlements' products is wrong, nationally, economically, politically, and must stop right away,'' he told a news conference.

Fully implementing the boycott will be a challenge since the Palestinian economy relies heavily on Israeli manufacturers for many basic goods.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/08/world/AP-EU-EU-Mideast.html?_r=1

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Nigel Farage MEP Reprimanded for Criticising New EU Foreign Minister

Curt Here..

Thanks to Pastor Brian for finding the article that I have posted below and to a member of Fulfilled Prophecy for the video.

All is not right in the EU now that the Lisbon Treaty has been passed and the people for the two most powerful positions have been named. Not to mention that the new appointee for the foreign minister position Lady Catherine Ashton has ties to a pro communist organization called Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CDN).

The video posted below is quite interesting and a rather insightful look into how many members of the EU parliament feel about the way the bureaucrats of the EU have circumvented the democratic process in appointing these two new leaders. It features Nigel Farage MEP from the UK verbalizing his frustration with the whole process.

Like I said in an earlier blog entry the Lisbon Treaty was sold to the public and to the members of the Parliament as a way for the EU to unite under a united foreign policy with a single strong voice. It is clear that Lady Ashton was not what many had in mind. With a possible scandal evolving her ties to the CDN, will she make it through the EU Parliament who have the final say on whether or not she gets the appointment?

Stay Tuned

Curt



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Baroness Ashton denies taking funds for CND from Soviet Union

Baroness Ashton of Upholland’s past came back to haunt her yesterday when the European Union’s new foreign affairs chief was forced to deny taking funds from the Soviet Union during her days as treasurer for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

Lady Ashton, a surprise choice for her post, was challenged to deny that she had contact with Russian sources while she was in charge of its accounts at the height of the Cold War.

The Times has learnt that concerns about her CND involvement are felt across countries from the former Iron Curtain now in the EU and that MEPs plan to question her about it when she appears before them for the hearing to confirm her in her post.

Nigel Farage, the UK Independence Party leader, raised the matter on the floor of the European Parliament yesterday, earning himself a reprimand for referring to Lady Ashton and Herman Van Rompuy, the new European President, as pygmies.

Mr Farage added: “She was treasurer during a period when CND took very large donations and refused to reveal the sources. Will Baroness Ashton deny that while she was treasurer she took funds from organisations opposed to Western-style democracy? Are we really happy that somebody who will be in charge of our overseas security policy was an activist in an outfit like CND? I do not think she is a fit and proper person to do this job.”

Lady Ashton was not present but her spokesman said: “This was more than 25 years ago. She left the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in 1983 and has had no involvement in the organisation since then. During her time in the CND she never visited the Soviet Union, had no contact with the Soviet Union and has never accepted any money from Soviet sources. The first time she visited Russia was as EU Trade Commissioner.”

All the candidates for the next European Commission must undergo formal hearings at the European Parliament and the European People’s Party, the main centre-right group, has pledged to reject any who have promoted communism in the past. Lady Ashton has denied being a member of the Communist Party.

She is due to have an informal meeting with the MEPs’ Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday and a formal hearing in January, although she starts her new job on Tuesday.

Krisjanis Karins, a centre-right Latvian MEP, said: “Some information has been published that she was involved in this Marxist movement. If this is the case it is disturbing. We are especially concerned how the High Representative for Foreign Affairs will conduct discussions with our eastern neighbour.”

Hynek Fajnon, an MEP for the Czech centre-right ODS party, told the newspaper DNES: “There is no doubt that the Kremlin supported CND activities. If Mrs Ashton as treasurer had played any role in that, it would be a great scandal.”

For more go here..

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6932391.ece

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

Curt Here...

On this day of thanks, my prayer to each and everyone of you is that you found the time today to be thankful for the many blessings that our Lord and Savior has provided for us. Our God is a good God and he loves us all very much, and for this I am very thankful. As we get closer to the return of our Lord, let us never forget, that no matter how difficult the times may be, that he will always be there in our time of need. He will be there when we call. Praise God.

In the meantime, back to prophecy for a moment. I am still trying to sort out exactly what is going on with Javier Solana and the ENP theory. It is obvious that Solana was not appointed to newly created position from the Lisbon Treaty of foreign minister. On the surface this appears to be a problem for the ENP theory. It could be of course, but keep in mind that according to Bible prophecy the Anti-Christ rises out of a union of 10 kingdoms, not 27 which is the number of countries within the EU. There are however, 10 full member nations of the WEU, and as far as I know Javier Solana is still the head man of the WEU.

This is all very fluid and could change daily, but I will continue to watch the ENP/Javier Solana theory and report on it until the mid point of 2010 or until it has been clearly disqualified. One thing appears to be clear, there is a lot of power playing going on within the EU right now and it should be very interesting to watch how it all plays out.

Stay Tuned.

Curt

Thursday, November 19, 2009

EU Chooses Unknowns for New Top Jobs

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Javier Solana Asked to Remain in his Job

Curt Here...

According to the article posted below, EU High Representative Javier Solana was asked today by EU Council President and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt to remain in his job until at least the end of the month. This is because there is a legal challenge in the Czech Republic's Constitutional Court over the legality of the Lisbon Treaty.

It is no secret that the Czech Republic's President Vaclav Klaus opposes the Lisbon Treaty even though it has already passed the Czech Parliament. Klaus is refusing to ratify the treaty until it is cleared by the Constitutional Court. According to second article posted below this may not happen tell the end of the year.

So with Solana set to retire Oct 17Th and with it being possibly tell the end of the year before the Lisbon Treaty is fully ratified by all 27 EU member states, we have a potentially serious leadership problem in the EU. It would seem as if Solana is happy to solve this problem.

My question over Solan retiring remains. What if the Lisbon Treaty does not get fully ratified, or during this time of uncertainty Solana is just asked to remain on and take over the new position of Foreign Minister to provide stability? This idea does not seem so far fetched and I would still be more than slightly surprised if Solana ends up retiring. My guess is that somehow, someway he is allowed to continue on and for the time being he is doing just that.

Stay Tuned.

Curt

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EU asks top diplomat to stay on with treaty under cloud

BRUSSELS) - Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt asked the EU's top diplomat Wednesday to remain in his job until the end of the month, amid doubts over when the bloc's reform treaty will enter force.

"I spoke this morning to Javier Solana," Reinfeldt told reporters in Brussels, "and asked him to stay on until the end of October in his capacity."

Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief and also top international nuclear negotiator with Iran, was due to step down on October 17, with his post to disappear once the Lisbon Treaty enters force, possibly next year.

The treaty is meant to ease decision-making in the expanding European Union and create new posts such as a longer-term president and a new foreign policy supremo.

But a legal challenge to the treaty in the Czech Republic and threats by that country's eurosceptic president not to sign the text mean the whole process is under a cloud.

The mandate of the EU's executive arm -- the European Commission -- also ends on October 31, and Reinfeldt said Wednesday that he was heading into "unknown territory" by being forced to take decisions with an outdated treaty.

Under the existing Nice Treaty, at least one country would have to give up its coveted EU commissioner job, while under the new package no one would be forced to do so.

"When we have the clarity on when the Lisbon Treaty will come into force, I will begin the consultations" on the new jobs, he said. "But we do not yet know enough."

http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/politics-diplomacy.ux
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EU warns Czechs about costs of treaty delays

European Union leaders on Wednesday warned the Czech Republic of the costs of further delaying the EU reform treaty as the eurosceptic Czech president holds out against the pact.

But Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer, who held talks with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and other top EU officials, said his country should ratify the treaty by the end of the year.

With the Lisbon reform treaty meant to enter force next year, Reinfeldt said the 27-nation EU is entering unchartered waters.

"We are moving into unknown territory," he told reporters after a video conference with Fischer.

"A lot of Europeans are waiting for this to be solved and we are trying to do it as quickly as possible," said Reinfeldt, whose nation holds the EU's rotating presidency until the end of the year.

The Czech parliament has approved the treaty, which is intended to ease EU decision-making, and Fischer opposes President Vaclav Klaus' campaign against the pact.

Fischer expressed confidence that Klaus would sign it once a Constitutional Court review of the treaty has been cleared up.

"I believe that everything is in place for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty to be fully completed in the Czech Republic by the end of this year," he said in Prague.

"I am fully convinced that after we have the ruling of the Czech Constitutional Court, the Czech president will be ready to complete the ratification."

For the rest go here..
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/treaty-czech.uu

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Lisbon Treaty Passed with Decisive 67% in Favour

Curt Here...

The Lisbon Treaty has passed in Ireland. This is big news for the re-unification of Europe and huge step towards what many prophecy watchers have been watching for, the Revived Roman Empire.

With only the Czech Republic and Poland remaining as the last obstacles, it is beginning to look like this could be a done deal. I suspect that both of these countries will now move quickly towards ratification.

Like I reported earlier, Tony Blair is looking like the odds on favorite of being appointed to the new EU President position. The real question still remains, what is Javier Solana going to do? He claims he is going to retire, but he is still as active as ever. He is currently heavily involved in the Iran nuclear problem and shows no signs of stepping away. Still all reports claim he is going to retire.

I would guess that we will get an answer to this question in the next few weeks.

Stay Tuned.

Curt

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Lisbon Treaty Passed with Decisive 67% in Favour

Ireland has passed the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty with an overwhelming majority of 67 per cent in favour as just two of the 43 constituencies voted against it.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said credit for the result rested with the Irish people who had shown a determination to be at the centre of Europe.

Speaking at a press conference at Government Buildings in Dublin this afternoon, Mr Cowen said: “We will now work with all our partners in ensuring the reforms this treaty will bring are implemented”.

Mr Cowen also said he was “confident” the Green Party would stay in the Coalition and that its members would vote in favour of supporting Nama at a party conference next week. "I am confident that my Government will continue and will take all necessary steps to affect economic recovery as quickly as possible".

The referendum was carried with 67.1 per cent of the electorate voting in favour, reflecting a 20.5 per cent swing to the Yes side since the June 2008 referendum. In the first Lisbon poll, the No side secured 53.4 per cent of the vote.

Yesterday's turnout was 58 per cent with 1,214,268 people voting for the treaty and 594,606 voting against. This was higher than the 53.13 per cent turnout for the first referendom on Lisbon.

Dublin South recorded the highest support for the treaty, with 82 per cent of ballots in favour. This was closely followed by DĂşn Laoghaire, which had an 81 per cent Yes vote, a 17.7 per cent swing compared to last year.

Across all 12 Dublin consitutencies support for the treaty was 69 per cent, with a turnout of 59.3 per cent.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he saw the Yes vote as indicative of the Irish electorate's confidence in the European Union and as a “sign that Ireland recognises the role that the European Union has played in responding to the economic crisis”.

For more click here...http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1003/breaking1.htm

Thursday, October 1, 2009

'President' Blair Waits on Voters of Ireland

Curt Here...

What a very crazy week we have had. From all the incredible possibly prophetic speeches at the UN General Assembly, the G-20 economic summit, the secret Iranian nuclear bases, to the huge earthquakes that have been occurring across the globe, it has been a week full of big headlines.

The most interesting thing about all this, is that I think we are just starting to enter into a time full of incredible headlines. As we get closer to the midway point of the ENP we may look back some day and see this time as the beginning of the actual fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.

Having said all of that we are about to enter a very fascinating time, especially if you are a prophecy watcher of the EU. Tomorrow the people of the tiny nation of Ireland will vote on whether or not to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. For those that don't know the Lisbon Treaty is basically a new version of the failed EU Constitution, and if ratified it will unite all twenty-seven EU nations under one treaty. This is the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty as the first one was soundly rejected by people of Ireland.

If it passes tomorrow in Ireland, there will be only two of the twenty-seven nations of the EU left to ratify this agreement. They are Poland and the Czech Republic. According to the article posted below it looks as if both countries will come on board rather quickly if Ireland passes. Neither of these two remaining ratifications are needing the vote of the people, just simply a signature from each countries president, so it should be a lot easier and quicker.

If and when ratification occurs it looks as if Tony Blair is quickly becoming the front runner for the position of President of the EU. This new position is created with the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. Some are speculating that he could be appointed as soon as the end of this month.

There still has not been much discussion on who would be appointed to the second more powerful position that will be created with the Lisbon Treaty called the "High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy." This has been commonly called the new Foreign Minister position. Javier Solana currently is the "High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy" and up to a few months ago was the leading candidate for this new position until he recently announced that he would retire at the end of October.

Since that announcement he has done anything but act like he is going to retire, so it should be very interesting to see how this all plays out. I for one don't see Solana going away anytime soon. He has worked to hard to get to this point and to just turn the reigns over to someone else, seems unlikely to me, but as of now that is what he is scheduled to do. We shall see.

If the nation of Ireland rejects the treaty tomorrow, then it will be very interesting to watch how the leaders in Brussels address this crisis, and a crisis it would be. In my mind this is still a real possibility.

The news these days are incredible, and if there was ever a time to stay focused and to pay attention to what is going on in the world, it is now. I will keep on commenting on the events as they happen, but I definitely welcome other people's opinions. Feel free to comment if you have some insight to share with the rest of us.

Stay Tuned

Curt

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'President' Blair waits on voters of Ireland

Tony Blair is in line to be proclaimed Europe’s first president within weeks if the Irish vote “yes” in today’s referendum.

Senior British sources have told The Times that President Sarkozy has decided that Mr Blair is the best candidate and that Angela Merkel has softened her opposition.

The former Prime Minister could be ushered into the European Union’s top post at a summit on October 29.

Ms Merkel, the German Chancellor, was opposed to Mr Blair because she believed that the post should go to a country that had adopted the euro but British sources said that she may now be “biddable” if Germany and France get plum posts in the new European Commission.

German sources insisted that it was far from clear that Ms Merkel had changed her mind and there were suggestions in Paris that Mr Sarkozy was happy to be seen to be backing Mr Blair because he knew that Ms Merkel would scupper the appointment.

Mr Blair, whose claims are being advanced by ministers in London, will not enter the race unless he is certain of winning. He is wary of giving up his many other commitments, spanning business, the Middle East, climate change and his Faith Foundation.

If the Irish ratify the Lisbon treaty — the result will be declared tomorrow — only the signatures of the Polish and Czech presidents will be needed for full ratification. Warsaw is expected to come on board swiftly. President Klaus is harder to predict but diplomatic sources expect him to agree quickly, possibly after receiving a sweetener from Germany.

The decision presents a dilemma for the Conservatives, whose conference takes place next week. David Cameron remains committed to a referendum on the treaty. He has declined to say what he would do if the treaty were ratified before the general election.

Despite pressure from Eurosceptics, he would be unlikely to hold a referendum if he came to power after ratification, which would mean renegotiating Britain’s relationship with the EU, but a Europe with Mr Blair at its head would worry Tories even more.

Ms Merkel has touted Jean-Claude Juncker, of Luxembourg, for the role, but the backroom dealer would hardly set European pulses racing. It is understood that President Sarkozy proposed Felipe González, of Spain, privately to Ms Merkel, but that she was suspicious of endorsing the Socialist.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6857807.ece

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Obama: U.S. Does Not Recognize Legitimacy of Continued Israeli Settlements

Curt Here...

President Obama gave a speech today at the U.N. General Assembly in which he stated that "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements and that it is time for Middle East peace "without preconditions."

If you do not know, the settlements that President Obama is referring to are the Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. My understanding is that there are upwards of 190,000 Jewish people living in these areas. Areas that the Palestinians claim ownership to and areas the United Nations and other major international bodies say are settled in direct violation of international law. Our country, has officially joined the ranks of "major international bodies" that consider the settlements a violation of international law. God help us.

Let me explain further with some scripture.

We know from scripture that at the midpoint of the 70Th week, when the Anti-Christ commits the Abomination of Desolation, that those in Judea must flee to the mountains.

Mathew 24:15-16

15. "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
16. then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.


We know that half of Jerusalem will be exiled, (East Jerusalem?) probably at the midpoint..

Zechariah 14:1-2

1. Behold, a day is coming for the LORD when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you.
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.


We also know that the nation of Israel will be divided (again the midpoint).

Joel 3:2

2. I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.
Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; And they have divided up My land.


From the above and below scriptures it is clear that all nations who have participated in dividing the land of Israel, will be judged directly by God.

Zechariah 14:3

3. Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle.


The United States is becoming one of these nations that will be judged directly by God because of our actions towards Israel.

After reviewing all of these scriptures it seems clear to me that at some point there will be a forced take over of East Jerusalem and the rest of the Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria and it will be enforced by the Anti-Christ himself. The international community with major help from our President, is laying the groundwork for these prophetic events to occur. Maybe sooner than we think.

Stay Tuned

Curt

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In declaring that it is time for Middle East peace "without preconditions," President Obama used his speech to the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday to fire a warning at Israel that "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements."

Obama's stark declaration, which drew applause, was coupled with a call for Palestinians to end their "incitement of Israel."

But it was the use of the U.N. forum to carry the settlement message to Israel that drew the most enthusiastic response on the floor -- and incredulous reaction outside its walls.

Obama just put Israel "on the chopping block," said former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton.

Obama said he met Tuesday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was not in attendance at the speech, and agreed that the two have made some progress in both strengthening security and facilitating freedom of movement, which have allowed the economy in the West Bank to grow.

But more progress is needed, he said.

"We continue to call on Palestinians to end incitement against Israel, and we continue to emphasize that America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements," he said.
Obama said four issues separate the two sides: security, borders, refugees and Jerusalem, but the goal is clear: a secure, Jewish state for Israel and "a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967."

He also said a new order is needed in dealing with the dispute.

"The United States does Israel no favors when we fail to couple an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians. And nations within this body do the Palestinians no favors when they choose vitriolic attacks over a constructive willingness to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and its right to exist in peace and security," he said.

For more click the link..
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/23/obama-world-dont-expect-america-fix/

Sunday, September 20, 2009

EU Ready to Use All Instruments at its Disposal to Support Comprehensive Peace

Curt Here...

Thanks to Pastor Brian for finding the statement posted below.

The statement from the EU President posted below on the Arab-Israeli conflict clearly shows that the EU is ready to use everything at their disposal to enforce a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, including existing agreements and instruments.

From the statement, "The EU stands ready to use all instruments at its disposal in order to support comprehensive peace in the Middle East, including a lasting settlement for the conflicts between Israel and Syria and between Israel and Lebanon."

If you are familiar with the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), then you would know that each country that has signed on to the ENP, have individual ENP action plans. These action plans are different and tailor made for each country, but all of these plans fall under the same ENP umbrella agreement. Each of the action plans have in them provisions requiring each country to make progress towards peace in the Middle East and within the Neighborhood. The ENP is funded through a funding instrument called the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI).

This is what makes the ENP so powerful. All of the countries are 2 1/2 years into the 7 year ENP agreement and are now used to the money that flows through it. If the EU tells Israel that it is going to use the ENP as leverage towards peace in Middle East and then use this agreement as the reason for enforcement, this would be, to say the least, highly prophetic.

Here is the language in Israel’s European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument.

Executive Summary

This Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Israel covers the period 2007-2013. Support to Israel over that period will be provided under the new European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)which is being established to provide assistance for the development of an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness involving the European Union and the partner countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).1 Under this new instrument, specific assistance is provided to all partner countries that have concluded an Action Plan with the EU to support the implementation of the Action Plan.

Funding levels for Israel under the national ENPI envelope are currently estimated at €14 million for the period 2007-2013. Israel will also be eligible under the ENPI regional and cross-border cooperation programmes. Given the scope of the allocation, the most suitable approach seems to be to concentrate on support activities for the implementation of the Action Plan priorities, mainly in the form of institutional cooperation.

The principal objective of EU-Israel cooperation is to develop an increasingly close relationship between the EU and Israel, going beyond previous levels of cooperation, including a significant level of economic integration, and a deepening of political cooperation including in the area of foreign and security policy and in the resolution of the Middle East conflict and on human rights issues, on the basis of the EU-Israel Action Plan.

EC support over the period covered by this strategy will aim at supporting the attainment of the above policy objectives. Under the National Indicative Programme (NIP) 2007-2010 this translates into support for those areas identified as priorities of mutual interest, based on the ENP Action Plan.



You can find this here... http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/pdf/country/enpi_csp_nip_israel_en.pdf

Stay Tuned

Curt

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Presidency Statement on the Arab-Israeli conflict

The European Union remains committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. We strongly support the United States’ vigorous pursuit of a two state-solution and call on the parties to fully engage in resumed negotiations to create a viable Palestinian state on the basis of the June 1967 borders, living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel.

We urge Israel to immediately end all settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem. We urge the Palestinian Authority to continue in its efforts to improve security and the rule of law, building on the achievements reached so far. The EU urges all donors to deliver on past commitments and to enhance their efforts to assist the PA in a spirit of equitable burden sharing. We reiterate the urgency of a durable solution to the Gaza crisis and call for the immediate and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.

Underlining the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, the EU invites Israel and all Arab countries to take confidence building measures to create an atmosphere conducive to conflict resolution. The EU stands ready to use all instruments at its disposal in order to support comprehensive peace in the Middle East, including a lasting settlement for the conflicts between Israel and Syria and between Israel and Lebanon.

http://www.se2009.eu/en/meetings_news/2009/9/18/presidency_statement_on_the_arab-israeli_conflict

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Netanyahu: The Land of Israel Will Be Divided

Curt Here...

"The Land of Israel will be divided", what a prophetic headline. If you are not exactly sure of what I am talking about here is a passage from Joel for you to review.

Joel 3:2

2. I will gather all the nations And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; And they have divided up My land.

It is clear that someday, and it appears to be getting closer every day that God will judge the nations for dividing up the land of Israel. Dividing the land is exactly what the EU's High Representative Javier Solana, US President Barack Obama and the rest of the International community is pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do.

According to the article below, it now appears as if Netanyahu is starting to cave into the pressure to divide the land of Israel. I suspect that he is doing everything in his power to appease the International community without giving up the ability to defend themselves from the rest of the Arab community. I don't believe it will be enough as Netanyahu will only go so far. To go as far as the world demands is suicide for the nation of Israel. Soon, Israel will be forced to comply and when that happens the nation of Israel will be divided, just as scripture foretold.

It is coming, faster than I could have imagined.

Stay Tuned,

Curt

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(IsraelNN.com) The Israel HaYom newspaper reveals a leftist turn for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Speaking in an interview to be published Thursday, the Prime Minister admitted he had come to terms with dividing the Land of Israel. “The land is already divided. How it will [yet] be divided, that is the question,” the newspaper reports.

In the interview, Netanyahu insisted that the new reality required “practical solutions”. “How will the land be divided? Territory-wise, there have been those who predicted the land would be divided according to the 1967 armistice lines, which is not acceptable to me. Israel requires defensible borders.”

"I know every place in this land, but there is a reality that exists regarding the million and a half Palestinians that live in the heart of the Jewish State. We need to find a true solution for co-existence with them."

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/171155

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

More Pressure from EU on Settlements

Curt Here...

The pressure on Israel from the EU on the issue of settlement construction continues to build. The EU expressed "deep concern" today over the new and continued construction of housing units in the Jewish settlement areas of Judea and Samaria.

The EU (Javier Solana) along with President Barack Obama continue to insist that in order for there to be any chance of a comprehensive peace deal in the Middle East, Israel must first stop construction in these two Jewish settlements.

I find it very interesting that it is only Israel that must make hard choices and tough sacrifices. Why should Israel make any movement towards peace if the Palestinians, still to this day refuse to acknowledge the Nation of Israel? How hard would it be for Palestinian President Abbas to hold a news conference and simply state, "Israel has the right to exist?" Why is this not the first demand from the International community? Why must the Jewish people living peacefully in their own land be forced to halt settlement construction with the hope that the Palestinians will then come to the table?

Sadly, no leader within the International community will ask these politically incorrect questions. Meanwhile, Israel slips closer everyday to the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy and this article makes me think of scripture from Mathew 24.

Mathew 24:15-21
15. "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
16. then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
17. "Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.
18. "Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.
19. "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
20. "But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.
21. "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.

Those who are in Judea, yes those people who live in these settlements that are such a point of contention today will someday have to flee to mountains and run for their lives. This will happen at the AOD when the Anti-Christ declares himself god and begins his 3 1/2 year reign at the mid-point of the 70Th week. Could this really go down in less than a year?

Stay Tuned

Curt

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(IsraelNN.com) The European Union expressed its "deep concern" Tuesday over the 455 housing units authorized this week by Defense Minister Ehud Barak for construction in Judea and Samaria, continuing its pressure on Israel to halt any building in the regions entirely.

"According to international law the settlements are illegal and are an impediment to peace," said the EU in a statement released Tuesday.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/170793

Friday, September 4, 2009

Legal Action to enforce Human Rights Conditions in EU-Israel Association Agreement

Curt Here...

The article posted below is reporting that "Clare Short MP and the European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza have launched a legal action which require the European Union to uphold the human rights conditions entrenched in the EU-Israel Association Agreement."

Clare Short has sent a letter to EU Commission President Barrasso and Javier Solana saying that the current agreement between the EU and Israel is being broken by Israel when it comes to human rights in Gaza. She also claims that this breech in the agreement is in direct violation of International law and because of this the EU is failing to meet there agreement obligations by not requiring Israel to live up to part of the agreement.

Clare went on to say "I and many others have tried through our parliaments to require our governments to comply with international law, without success. We now hope legal action will require compliance.

It is my firm belief that the only way to peace is to require Israel to comply with international law and that this is in the interests of all parties. The European Commission and member states are failing in their duty to uphold the conditions of our own treaty with Israel and to use these requirements to obtain long term peace and justice."

In case you were wondering, the EU-Israel Association Agreement is (you can read it here.. http://www.delisr.ec.europa.eu/english/content/eu_and_country/asso_agree_en.pdf ) basically the legal basis for the EU’s relations with Israel and the financial element of this agreement is the 7 year ENP agreement that we have been following on this blog. More info here.. http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/israel/index_en.htm

I think we are beginning to see the legal framework and the International justification being put in place for the EU to physically force Israel to divide up their land. This article is stunning when read together with everything else that is going on right now.

Israel is getting pressure from all sides and things could come together rather quickly.

Stay Tuned

Curt

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Legal Action to enforce Human Rights Conditions in EU-Israel Association Agreement

Gaza Strip, September 3, 2009 (PalTelegraph)- Clare Short MP and the European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza have launched a legal action which require the European Union to uphold the human rights conditions entrenched in the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The action was launched in a letter sent to President Barroso and Javier Solana, the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, spelling out the way in which the Treaty conditions are being breached and the way in which international law applies.

The case is being taken forward on behalf of the complainants by Public Interest Lawyers of 8 Hylton Street, Birmingham.

The Commission has been given 28 days to reply to the detailed case outlined in a 15 page letter which spells out the fact that under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the EU has clear obligations in the light of Israel's violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The case made is that the EU is failing to meet these obligations.

In the letter it is argued that ‘Palestinian, Israeli and International Human Rights organizations have concluded in numerous reports and studies that Israel's actions in Operation Cast Lead intentionally and systematically disregarded and violated both international humanitarian law and international human rights law'.

Furthermore ‘the combined reports delivered to the UN including that of Richard Falk, charged with investigating the human rights situation in Palestine found several breaches of law in Operation Cast Lead. The Special Rapporteur on Poverty discussed reports that during the military intervention Israel deliberately obstructed the work of humanitarian personnel leaving the poor without basic medical, food and other services in violation of both international humanitarian law and human rights law'

The case presented outlines the position of the International Court of Justice and the UN with respect to the countless violations, amongst which include the acquisition of territory by force, obstructing the self determination of the Palestinian People and many other peremptory norms.

In pointing to EU's obligation in the face of so many reports and statements of the highest authority in international law, it states that ‘Under the Geneva convention The EU must not only insure that its own comply with human rights: it also requires it to base its relations with Israel on the mutual respect for human rights.

Thus where Israel persistently violates human rights and the EU does not take appropriate steps against Israel it will be in breach of article 2 of the Geneva Convention'.

Maintaining the status quo in the EU-Israeli Association Agreement, which makes Israel, EU's biggest trading partner is improper and more importantly it is justiciable. The letter points towards specific steps which the European Community is required to take under the agreement where Israel is in breach of Article 2 of the Geneva Convention.

In recognition of its obligations it calls upon the Commissioner to meet its obligations and further provide detailed description of its actions in fulfilling its obligations.

Clare Short said today "I and many others have tried through our parliaments to require our governments to comply with international law, without success. We now hope legal action will require compliance.

It is my firm belief that the only way to peace is to require Israel to comply with international law and that this is in the interests of all parties. The European Commission and member states are failing in their duty to uphold the conditions of our own treaty with Israel and to use these requirements to obtain long term peace and justice."

http://www.paltelegraph.com/newsflash/2118-legal-action-to-enforce-human-rights-conditions-in-eu-israel-association-agreement