Curt Here...
Just a quick update, but according to the news story listed below, President Obama is considering announcing, in a few weeks, a peace plan between the Nation of Israel and the Palestinians with a strict timeline and a binding timetable.
This is being announced by the US administration less than a week after Javier Solana's speech in London, where he demanded that the Nation of Israel and the Palestinians agree to a two state solution, or after a fixed deadline the UN should pass a resolution to create a Palestinian State. Well it looks like the move towards peace by a fixed deadline is starting to materialize. I said this in my previous post and I will say it again. I am real interested in the date of this fixed deadline.
Do you think it is a coincidence that the US administration is making this announcement so soon after Javier Solana's speech?
Not hardly.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Israel: Obama to announce new peace plan soon
Bethlehem - Ma’an/Agencies - A peace plan with a strict timeline may be announced by the new US Administration in coming weeks, Israel’s English and Hebrew daily Haaretz newspaper reported Thursday.
The paper quoted a “Western diplomat closely involved in current contacts involving the US, Israel, the PA and moderate Arab states,” as saying Obama aides are developing a peace plan with a binding timetable.
An ease on US, and now international, demand for a halt to settlement construction was rumored to be the carrot for Israeli participation in the talks, which would tackle the final status issues of borders, water, refugees and Jerusalem.
For more click the link... http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=212509
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
What is going on with the Sun?
Mike here...
I stumbled across an interesting article from May.
Admittedly, I'm not an astrologer or a scientist but I'm finding the
information we are learning about space to be more and more interesting.
Scratch that, make it mind boggling.
In my short lifetime I've often heard atheists use science and even what
we have come to call facts about the cosmos as a basis for their own
theology. Wouldn't it be interesting if the amazing technology we have
now would help us understand how some mind stretching portions of
scripture become fulfilled?
Here is one such scripture and the news story.
Revelation 16:8-10 (New American Standard Bible)
8The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon (A)the sun, (B)and it was
given to it to scorch men with fire.
9Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they (C)blasphemed the name of
God who has the power over these plagues, and they (D)did not repent so
as to (E)give Him glory.
While the articles below focus on impact on technology and are day to
day life, I'm more intrigued with the disruption of the magnetic poles
on earth and the changes in our planetary weather. That would be more
of a direct connection to the 4th bowl of wrath.
NASA scientist are now predicting a solar event in 2012- 2013 that could
have very dramatic affects for life here on earth. As you read and
watch you will notice that the experts can't agree on either when or
even how this would affect our lives on earth.
"Even a below-average cycle is capable of producing severe space
weather," points out Biesecker. "The great geomagnetic storm of 1859,
for instance, occurred during a solar cycle of about the same size we're
predicting for 2013."
The 1859 storm--known as the "Carrington Event" after astronomer Richard
Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare--electrified
transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced
Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red
and green glow. A recent report by the National Academy of Sciences
found that if a similar storm occurred today, it could cause $1 to 2
trillion in damages to society's high-tech infrastructure and require
four to ten years for complete recovery. For comparison, Hurricane
Katrina caused "only" $80 to 125 billion in damage.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/29may_noaaprediction.htm
Here is a link to two videos that further discuss solar storms, I
believe the second video is better.
http://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/nasa-warns-of-super-sola
r-storm-2012/
I stumbled across an interesting article from May.
Admittedly, I'm not an astrologer or a scientist but I'm finding the
information we are learning about space to be more and more interesting.
Scratch that, make it mind boggling.
In my short lifetime I've often heard atheists use science and even what
we have come to call facts about the cosmos as a basis for their own
theology. Wouldn't it be interesting if the amazing technology we have
now would help us understand how some mind stretching portions of
scripture become fulfilled?
Here is one such scripture and the news story.
Revelation 16:8-10 (New American Standard Bible)
8The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon (A)the sun, (B)and it was
given to it to scorch men with fire.
9Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they (C)blasphemed the name of
God who has the power over these plagues, and they (D)did not repent so
as to (E)give Him glory.
While the articles below focus on impact on technology and are day to
day life, I'm more intrigued with the disruption of the magnetic poles
on earth and the changes in our planetary weather. That would be more
of a direct connection to the 4th bowl of wrath.
NASA scientist are now predicting a solar event in 2012- 2013 that could
have very dramatic affects for life here on earth. As you read and
watch you will notice that the experts can't agree on either when or
even how this would affect our lives on earth.
"Even a below-average cycle is capable of producing severe space
weather," points out Biesecker. "The great geomagnetic storm of 1859,
for instance, occurred during a solar cycle of about the same size we're
predicting for 2013."
The 1859 storm--known as the "Carrington Event" after astronomer Richard
Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare--electrified
transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced
Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red
and green glow. A recent report by the National Academy of Sciences
found that if a similar storm occurred today, it could cause $1 to 2
trillion in damages to society's high-tech infrastructure and require
four to ten years for complete recovery. For comparison, Hurricane
Katrina caused "only" $80 to 125 billion in damage.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/29may_noaaprediction.htm
Here is a link to two videos that further discuss solar storms, I
believe the second video is better.
http://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/nasa-warns-of-super-sola
r-storm-2012/
Sunday, July 12, 2009
EU's Solana Calls for UN to Recognise Palestinian State
Curt Here...
Last night in a speech in London, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana called for the UN to recognize Palestine as a state. He said "After a fixed deadline, a U.N. Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution." He went on to say "It would accept the Palestinian state as a full member of the U.N., and set a calendar for implementation. It would mandate the resolution of other remaining territorial disputes and legitimize the end of claims."
It is very clear from his comments that a fixed deadline should be set for Israel and the Palestinians to come to a two state solution on their own, and then after that deadline passes they should be forced into a two state solution by the UN and the international community. He said "If the parties are not able to stick to it (the timetable), then a solution backed by the international community should be put on the table."
This would include implementing border parameters and control over Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. All of this would be enforced with some kind of security arrangement. If Solana's idea gets backing from the UN and international community, then this could be hugely prophetic. I for one am very interested in the date of the deadline, as this could be very telling if this is related to the timeline we have been watching.
Who says Javier Solana is going to retire.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
----------------------------------------------------------------------
EU's Solana calls for UN to recognise Palestinian state
BRUSSELS, July 12 (Reuters) -- The European Union's foreign policy chief called for the U.N. Security Council to recognise a Palestinian state by a certain deadline even if Israelis and Palestinians have not reached agreement among themselves.
The EU's Javier Solana made his comments on Saturday at a lecture in London while Palestinian and Israeli peace talks remain stalled.
The Palestinians have said they will not revive peace talks unless there is a halt to Israel's settlement activities in the West Bank.
"After a fixed deadline, a U.N. Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution," Solana said, adding this should include border parameters, refugees, control over the city of Jerusalem and security arrangements.
"It would accept the Palestinian state as a full member of the U.N., and set a calendar for implementation. It would mandate the resolution of other remaining territorial disputes and legitimise the end of claims," Solana went on.
Advocating a return to Israel's borders before the 1967 war with Egypt, Syria and Jordan in which it took the West Bank, Solana said mediators should set a timetable for a peace agreement.
"If the parties are not able to stick to it (the timetable), then a solution backed by the international community should be put on the table," he said.
The EU, along with the United States, Russia and the United Nations, is part of the Quartet of Middle East Negotiators. (Reporting by Anne Jolis; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLC616115
Last night in a speech in London, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana called for the UN to recognize Palestine as a state. He said "After a fixed deadline, a U.N. Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution." He went on to say "It would accept the Palestinian state as a full member of the U.N., and set a calendar for implementation. It would mandate the resolution of other remaining territorial disputes and legitimize the end of claims."
It is very clear from his comments that a fixed deadline should be set for Israel and the Palestinians to come to a two state solution on their own, and then after that deadline passes they should be forced into a two state solution by the UN and the international community. He said "If the parties are not able to stick to it (the timetable), then a solution backed by the international community should be put on the table."
This would include implementing border parameters and control over Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. All of this would be enforced with some kind of security arrangement. If Solana's idea gets backing from the UN and international community, then this could be hugely prophetic. I for one am very interested in the date of the deadline, as this could be very telling if this is related to the timeline we have been watching.
Who says Javier Solana is going to retire.
Stay Tuned.
Curt
----------------------------------------------------------------------
EU's Solana calls for UN to recognise Palestinian state
BRUSSELS, July 12 (Reuters) -- The European Union's foreign policy chief called for the U.N. Security Council to recognise a Palestinian state by a certain deadline even if Israelis and Palestinians have not reached agreement among themselves.
The EU's Javier Solana made his comments on Saturday at a lecture in London while Palestinian and Israeli peace talks remain stalled.
The Palestinians have said they will not revive peace talks unless there is a halt to Israel's settlement activities in the West Bank.
"After a fixed deadline, a U.N. Security Council resolution should proclaim the adoption of the two-state solution," Solana said, adding this should include border parameters, refugees, control over the city of Jerusalem and security arrangements.
"It would accept the Palestinian state as a full member of the U.N., and set a calendar for implementation. It would mandate the resolution of other remaining territorial disputes and legitimise the end of claims," Solana went on.
Advocating a return to Israel's borders before the 1967 war with Egypt, Syria and Jordan in which it took the West Bank, Solana said mediators should set a timetable for a peace agreement.
"If the parties are not able to stick to it (the timetable), then a solution backed by the international community should be put on the table," he said.
The EU, along with the United States, Russia and the United Nations, is part of the Quartet of Middle East Negotiators. (Reporting by Anne Jolis; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLC616115
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Sample Coin of New World Currency Unveiled at G-8 Summit
Curt Here...
The G-8 Summit has come and gone and it is clear from the news reports that I have read that no major decisions took place. There was much discussion about climate change among the G-8 leaders. I am sure we have not heard the end of this topic, but in my opinion the biggest news of the event is the reason for this blog entry.
Below you will see the pictures of a coin that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was showing off at the G-8 Summit. He claims that this coin is a sample coin of a “united future world currency.” The coin reads on one side "United Future World Currency" and on the other side it reads "Unity in Diversity." When Medvedev was questioned about the need for a supranational currency he said the test coin “means they’re getting ready. I think it’s a good sign that we understand how interdependent we are.”
I also read in another news story on this subject that the coin was actually minted in Belgium. So, Should we be surprised that this coin was minted in Europe? I personally am not surprised at all. One thing is for sure; the push towards a one world currency continues.
It also appears as if the next G-20 Economic Summit in Pittsburgh, Pa. scheduled for Sept. 24-25 could be the event where some major global economic changes occur. I would not be surprised at all if the global economy continues to slide between now and then, so that some proposed major changes have a better chance to succeed.
The signs that the return of Christ is near appear daily so, stay tuned.
Curt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medvedev Shows Off Sample Coin of New ‘World Currency’ at G-8
By Lyubov Pronina
July 10 (Bloomberg) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev illustrated his call for a supranational currency to replace the dollar by pulling from his pocket a sample coin of a “united future world currency.”
“Here it is,” Medvedev told reporters today in L’Aquila, Italy, after a summit of the Group of Eight nations. “You can see it and touch it.”
The coin, which bears the words “unity in diversity,” was minted in Belgium and presented to the heads of G-8 delegations, Medvedev said.
The question of a supranational currency “concerns everyone now, even the mints,” Medvedev said. The test coin “means they’re getting ready. I think it’s a good sign that we understand how interdependent we are.”
Medvedev has repeatedly called for creating a mix of regional reserve currencies as part of the drive to address the global financial crisis, while questioning the U.S. dollar’s future as a global reserve currency. Russia’s proposals for the G-20 meeting in London in April included the creation of a supranational currency.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aeFVNYQpByU4
The G-8 Summit has come and gone and it is clear from the news reports that I have read that no major decisions took place. There was much discussion about climate change among the G-8 leaders. I am sure we have not heard the end of this topic, but in my opinion the biggest news of the event is the reason for this blog entry.
Below you will see the pictures of a coin that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was showing off at the G-8 Summit. He claims that this coin is a sample coin of a “united future world currency.” The coin reads on one side "United Future World Currency" and on the other side it reads "Unity in Diversity." When Medvedev was questioned about the need for a supranational currency he said the test coin “means they’re getting ready. I think it’s a good sign that we understand how interdependent we are.”
I also read in another news story on this subject that the coin was actually minted in Belgium. So, Should we be surprised that this coin was minted in Europe? I personally am not surprised at all. One thing is for sure; the push towards a one world currency continues.
It also appears as if the next G-20 Economic Summit in Pittsburgh, Pa. scheduled for Sept. 24-25 could be the event where some major global economic changes occur. I would not be surprised at all if the global economy continues to slide between now and then, so that some proposed major changes have a better chance to succeed.
The signs that the return of Christ is near appear daily so, stay tuned.
Curt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medvedev Shows Off Sample Coin of New ‘World Currency’ at G-8
By Lyubov Pronina
July 10 (Bloomberg) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev illustrated his call for a supranational currency to replace the dollar by pulling from his pocket a sample coin of a “united future world currency.”
“Here it is,” Medvedev told reporters today in L’Aquila, Italy, after a summit of the Group of Eight nations. “You can see it and touch it.”
The coin, which bears the words “unity in diversity,” was minted in Belgium and presented to the heads of G-8 delegations, Medvedev said.
The question of a supranational currency “concerns everyone now, even the mints,” Medvedev said. The test coin “means they’re getting ready. I think it’s a good sign that we understand how interdependent we are.”
Medvedev has repeatedly called for creating a mix of regional reserve currencies as part of the drive to address the global financial crisis, while questioning the U.S. dollar’s future as a global reserve currency. Russia’s proposals for the G-20 meeting in London in April included the creation of a supranational currency.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aeFVNYQpByU4
Link to pictures below...http://ftalphaville.ft.com/blog/2009/07/10/61471/move-over-amero-presenting-the-united-future-world-currency/
Sunday, July 5, 2009
EU's Solana Announces Retirement for October?
Curt Here...
Hi Everyone, I have been away for a few weeks on vacation, but it is great to be back.
Today Reuters is reporting that the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana has said that he will step down in October, when his term expires. He claims to have fulfilled his mandate and has no desire to go any farther.
To say that I am highly skeptical of this actually happening is an understatement. This of course would be completely out of his character, as he has consistently over the years accumulated more and more power for himself. For him to just get up and walk away, seems largely inconsistent with his past actions. My guess is that Javier Solana is making the leadership in Brussels consider what life would be like without him. I would say this though, if in fact Javier Solana does retire into the sunset, never to be heard from again than what I and many others have been watching will have not be the fulfillment of Biblical Prophecy. With there still being approximately a year left until the midpoint of the ENP, I am not ready to declare that, as the news changes daily.
In the meantime there is a lot of news out there that support that we are living in the end times, including the upcoming G8 Financial Summit in Italy scheduled for July 8-10, and there are rumors of some sort of peace plan that will be revealed at this summit.
Stay Tuned
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU's Solana says to step down in October - report
MADRID, July 5 (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said in a Spanish press interview on Sunday he will step down in October when his 10-year mandate expires.
"I had a 10-year mandate which I have fulfilled. I do not mean to go any further," the Spaniard told daily ABC.
A representative for Solana in Brussels was not immediately available to confirm the report.
http://www.kyivpost.com/world/44694
Hi Everyone, I have been away for a few weeks on vacation, but it is great to be back.
Today Reuters is reporting that the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana has said that he will step down in October, when his term expires. He claims to have fulfilled his mandate and has no desire to go any farther.
To say that I am highly skeptical of this actually happening is an understatement. This of course would be completely out of his character, as he has consistently over the years accumulated more and more power for himself. For him to just get up and walk away, seems largely inconsistent with his past actions. My guess is that Javier Solana is making the leadership in Brussels consider what life would be like without him. I would say this though, if in fact Javier Solana does retire into the sunset, never to be heard from again than what I and many others have been watching will have not be the fulfillment of Biblical Prophecy. With there still being approximately a year left until the midpoint of the ENP, I am not ready to declare that, as the news changes daily.
In the meantime there is a lot of news out there that support that we are living in the end times, including the upcoming G8 Financial Summit in Italy scheduled for July 8-10, and there are rumors of some sort of peace plan that will be revealed at this summit.
Stay Tuned
Curt
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU's Solana says to step down in October - report
MADRID, July 5 (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said in a Spanish press interview on Sunday he will step down in October when his 10-year mandate expires.
"I had a 10-year mandate which I have fulfilled. I do not mean to go any further," the Spaniard told daily ABC.
A representative for Solana in Brussels was not immediately available to confirm the report.
http://www.kyivpost.com/world/44694
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Mike here....
An article was brought to my attention yesterday that I found interesting.
It is out of China regarding a one world currency.
Here is the article if you are interested.
The one quote that I found most interesting is identified as a goal.
"Set up a settlement system between the SDR and other currencies. Therefore, the SDR, which is now only used between governments and international institutions, could become a widely accepted means of payment in international trade and financial transactions. "
So apparently, governments have already been trading in a "Reserve Currency" and this article encourages the strategy of broadening that to all commerce.
The relevance of China in Biblical Prophesy is a bit fuzzy at best but what I do think is important is to remember that they are holding a large percentage of America's National Debt. I believe that will give them an important "vote" in this discussion of a one world currency. The thing to watch is who is in control of that currency and what are the strings attached to using it.
Keep on shinning to this unbelieving world my fellow believers!
An article was brought to my attention yesterday that I found interesting.
It is out of China regarding a one world currency.
Here is the article if you are interested.
The one quote that I found most interesting is identified as a goal.
"Set up a settlement system between the SDR and other currencies. Therefore, the SDR, which is now only used between governments and international institutions, could become a widely accepted means of payment in international trade and financial transactions. "
So apparently, governments have already been trading in a "Reserve Currency" and this article encourages the strategy of broadening that to all commerce.
The relevance of China in Biblical Prophesy is a bit fuzzy at best but what I do think is important is to remember that they are holding a large percentage of America's National Debt. I believe that will give them an important "vote" in this discussion of a one world currency. The thing to watch is who is in control of that currency and what are the strings attached to using it.
Keep on shinning to this unbelieving world my fellow believers!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
EU Reaches Deal on Lisbon Treaty
Curt Here...
It looks like the EU leadership in Brussels have come to an agreement with the country of Ireland. This new agreement will vastly improve the chances that the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland will pass. This vote in Ireland is scheduled for October of this year. If it passes it will be one of the last hurdles and it could pave the way for the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty by the first of the year.
If the Lisbon Treaty is implemented it will create two new leadership positions within the EU. It will create the position of EU president, and a position called a foreign minister. It is clear from reading the Lisbon Treaty and the job descriptions of each position that the position of foreign minster would be the real position of power within the EU, even though the title of president sounds more powerful. You can read about here..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon_treaty and here..http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/choosing-europe/article-171837
Of course the leading candidate for the position of foreign minster is Javier Solana.
I still have serious doubts as to whether or not the Lisbon Treaty will ever be implemented. I don't think that the Lisbon Treaty has to come into effect for the advancement of Biblical prophecy. I say this because Recommendation 666 would give all of power needed to fulfill Biblical Prophecy to one individual in the event of an emergency. You can read about it here... http://www.assembly-weu.org/en/documents/sessions_ordinaires/txt/2000/jun00_txts_adopted.php#P51_3072
I guess we will have to wait and see how it all plays out.
Stay Tuned
Curt
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU Reaches Deal on Lisbon Treaty
Friday's deal in Brussels paving the way forward for a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland is the most important decision taken in Europe this year. The treaty, which will bring widespread reforms to the European Union and give its institutions greater power, could be go into effect before the end of the year.
It is part of the ritual of European Union summits for the leaders of the 27 member states to pat themselves firmly on the back. Each one then explains how proud he or she is of what they were able to achieve for their country.
Friday proved to be no exception, with Chancellor Angela Merkel stating that the planned European financial regulations watch dog had been designed in a way that pleased Germany. She said that there had been "considerable movement" on the part of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has been perceived as a sort of defense attorney for London's bankers.
But Merkel's assessment of the agreement with Ireland over a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty was noticeably reserved. In such events, Merkel is usually known for using terms like "historic," but on Friday she spoke of a "further hurdle" being cleared, "no more and no less"
Nevertheless, the compromise is the most important decision taken this year in European policy because it means that, after years of painstaking negotiations, a breakthrough for a new EU may be just around the corner. It is now likely that the Lisbon Treaty will go into effect by the end of the year. Then the EU would get a president, a foreign minister and the role of the European Parliament would be strengthened considerably.
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen announced the referendum would be held during the first week of October. Public opinion polls currently indicate that Irish voters would likely approve the Lisbon Treaty this time around, following their rejection in a first referendum one year ago. Cowen said the European Council had given Ireland "firm legal guarantees" and that he was "confident we now have a solid basis to go to the Irish people and to ask them again for their approval for Ireland to ratify the treaty so that Europe can move on."
The EU has provided guarantees to Ireland that it will remain independent in determining tax policies, military neutrality and abortion law (Ireland has one of Europe's most restrictive abortion policies). The sovereignty guarantees are expected to be anchored in EU law as a treaty protocol in the mid-term future.
For more click the link... http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,631495,00.html
It looks like the EU leadership in Brussels have come to an agreement with the country of Ireland. This new agreement will vastly improve the chances that the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland will pass. This vote in Ireland is scheduled for October of this year. If it passes it will be one of the last hurdles and it could pave the way for the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty by the first of the year.
If the Lisbon Treaty is implemented it will create two new leadership positions within the EU. It will create the position of EU president, and a position called a foreign minister. It is clear from reading the Lisbon Treaty and the job descriptions of each position that the position of foreign minster would be the real position of power within the EU, even though the title of president sounds more powerful. You can read about here..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon_treaty and here..http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/choosing-europe/article-171837
Of course the leading candidate for the position of foreign minster is Javier Solana.
I still have serious doubts as to whether or not the Lisbon Treaty will ever be implemented. I don't think that the Lisbon Treaty has to come into effect for the advancement of Biblical prophecy. I say this because Recommendation 666 would give all of power needed to fulfill Biblical Prophecy to one individual in the event of an emergency. You can read about it here... http://www.assembly-weu.org/en/documents/sessions_ordinaires/txt/2000/jun00_txts_adopted.php#P51_3072
I guess we will have to wait and see how it all plays out.
Stay Tuned
Curt
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU Reaches Deal on Lisbon Treaty
Friday's deal in Brussels paving the way forward for a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland is the most important decision taken in Europe this year. The treaty, which will bring widespread reforms to the European Union and give its institutions greater power, could be go into effect before the end of the year.
It is part of the ritual of European Union summits for the leaders of the 27 member states to pat themselves firmly on the back. Each one then explains how proud he or she is of what they were able to achieve for their country.
Friday proved to be no exception, with Chancellor Angela Merkel stating that the planned European financial regulations watch dog had been designed in a way that pleased Germany. She said that there had been "considerable movement" on the part of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has been perceived as a sort of defense attorney for London's bankers.
But Merkel's assessment of the agreement with Ireland over a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty was noticeably reserved. In such events, Merkel is usually known for using terms like "historic," but on Friday she spoke of a "further hurdle" being cleared, "no more and no less"
Nevertheless, the compromise is the most important decision taken this year in European policy because it means that, after years of painstaking negotiations, a breakthrough for a new EU may be just around the corner. It is now likely that the Lisbon Treaty will go into effect by the end of the year. Then the EU would get a president, a foreign minister and the role of the European Parliament would be strengthened considerably.
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen announced the referendum would be held during the first week of October. Public opinion polls currently indicate that Irish voters would likely approve the Lisbon Treaty this time around, following their rejection in a first referendum one year ago. Cowen said the European Council had given Ireland "firm legal guarantees" and that he was "confident we now have a solid basis to go to the Irish people and to ask them again for their approval for Ireland to ratify the treaty so that Europe can move on."
The EU has provided guarantees to Ireland that it will remain independent in determining tax policies, military neutrality and abortion law (Ireland has one of Europe's most restrictive abortion policies). The sovereignty guarantees are expected to be anchored in EU law as a treaty protocol in the mid-term future.
For more click the link... http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,631495,00.html
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