Revived Roman Empire News - the E.U.

[Shammu]

Solana: Iranian issue must not be ignored

EU foreign policy chief meets with Minister Mofaz in Jerusalem. Solana composing report on Tehran's nuclear progress, which will be submitted at the same time as UN nuclear watchdog's report. Reports to be used as basis for third round of sanctions against Islamic republic

Roni Sofer
Published: 11.14.07, 13:11Israel News

Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz said Wednesday that "the remarks made by International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed Elbaradei, that there is no information on Iran's military nuclear plan were a very bad surprise.

"The report he is composing is extremely important for the imposition of further sanctions on Iran, both at the UN Security Council and in the European Union," Mofaz, who in charge of the strategic relations between Israel and the United States, told EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana during a meeting in Jerusalem.

Solana, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday after visits to Cairo and Ramallah, is composing a report on Iran's nuclear progress. This report is scheduled to be submitted at the same time as the IAEA report.

The two reports, which will be submitted in the coming days, will be used as the basis for a decision by the Security Council's five permanent members and Germany regarding a third rounds of sanctions against Tehran.

Solana's report is significant also in terms of a possibility of imposing independent sanctions on Iran by the EU, a move which is being advanced by France.

Solana met Wednesday morning with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. In his meeting with Mofaza, he conveyed the message that Europe has no plans to ignore reality.

Ignoring reality may halt the international move against Iran, he said.
 
"China and Russia were looking for an excuse to avoid such sanctions," Mofaz told Solana.

Mofaz: Goodwill not enough

The EU foreign policy chief is expected to meet with President Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni later in the day.

"I hope the European Union will be part of the united front against an Iranian nuclear progress, and will push and encourage the sanctions. The Iranian strategy is an attempt to stall, while the nuclear program moves forward fast," the minister said.

Addressing the upcoming US-sponsored Mideast peace conference, Mofaz told Solana, "I have a lot of experience with the Palestinians. Over the past 14 years we have seen many drafts which have not been implemented.

"I hope that the main product of the Annapolis conference will be bolstering the Palestinian Authority. At the moment the Palestinians are unable to control cities in the West Bank. Goodwill is not enough.

"They must have the power in every aspect. The Palestinians have asked for a timetable for the implementation of the permanent agreement, but processes cannot be cut short; we refer to a permanent agreement in terms of months. I do not see a permanent agreement before an interim agreement."

Solana: Iranian issue must not be ignored

[Shammu]

Olmert meets with EU envoy Solana
14 Nov 2007

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this morning (Wednesday), 14 November 2707, held a working meeting with EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, mainly on preparations for the Annapolis meeting.  The two men discussed scenarios ahead of and after the international meeting.  Sr. Solana thanked the Prime Minister for his efforts to advance the peace process.

Prime Minister Olmert briefed his guest on the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and on the steps that he intends to take ahead of the meeting.  He referred to Israel's insistence that the foundation for the post-Annapolis negotiations with the Palestinians be recognition of the State of Israel as the state of the Jewish People.  The Prime Minister made it clear that from Israel's point-of-view, this issue is not subject to either negotiations or discussion.

EU envoy Solana noted that the EU will be represented at the Annapolis meeting and cited the efforts being made to enable more moderate Arab countries to attend the meeting, which he sees as very important.

The two men also discussed various regional issues.

Olmert meets with EU envoy Solana

[Shammu]

Israeli relations with the European Union to be enhanced
14 Nov 2007

Israel and the European Union have established a "reflection group" to find ways to enhance Israeli relations with the EU beyond the existing and developed relations,  with the purpose of expanding pre-existing Israeli cooperation in European programs

(Communicated by Foreign Ministry Spokesman)

In March 2007, the Israel-European Union Association Council, headed by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni and her German counterpart, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, established a "reflection group" to find ways to enhance Israeli relations with the EU beyond the existing and developed relations within the framework of the Israel-EU Association Agreement and within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy.

A key part of the enhancement is based on Israel's incorporation in European agencies and programs in matters of mutual interest, including: financial issues, research and development, trade, energy, environmental protection, culture, the media, youth issues, etc. The purpose is to expand the already existing cooperation in European programs such as the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development, the framework of the GALILEO European Satellite Navigation System project and the framework of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), which Israel recently joined.

To promote Israel's incorporation into European agencies and programs, the MFA held an interministerial meeting on Tuesday 13 November with Dr. Andreas Herdina, head of the Sector Coordination Unit for European Neighbourhood Policy in the European Commission in Brussels and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Tourism and also the Bank of Israel,  the Council for Higher Education, the Central Bureau of Statistics, the Manufacturer's Association of Israel, the Standards Institution of Israel, and the Economic-Social Council.

In his opening remarks, MFA Deputy Director General Rafael Barak emphasized that Israel has significantly advanced it relations with the European Union within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy, and stressed Israel's ambition to further enhance the relationship. Dr. Herdina stated that the EU is willing to open additional agencies and programs to Israeli participation and described the practical means to do so.

The EU has budgeted Euro 8 million to support the operative program with Israeli ministries for the period 2007-2010.

Israeli relations with the European Union to be enhanced

[Shammu]

'Vatican-Israeli ties worsening'
Associated Press , THE JERUSALEM POST    Nov. 17, 2007

A senior Vatican diplomat who served as papal envoy to Israel has described Vatican-Israeli relations as worsening, blaming Israel for failing to keep promises related to church land, taxes and travel restrictions on Arab clergy.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi lashed out at Israel in an interview posted Friday on Terrasanta.net, an online publication about the Holy Land.

"If I must be frank, the relations between the Catholic Church and the state of Israel were better when there were no diplomatic ties," said Sambi, interviewed earlier in the week in Washington, where he now serves as Pope Benedict XVI's envoy to the United States.

"The Holy See decided to establish diplomatic relations (in 1993) with Israel as an act of faith, leaving to latter the serious promises to regulate concrete aspects of the life of the Catholic community and the Church" in Israel, Sambi said.

Among the issues hanging are the status of expropriated church property, services that Catholic groups perform for Israel's Jewish and Arab population, and tax exemptions for the Church.

The Vatican diplomat also cited a current sore point - the granting of permits for Arab Christian clergy traveling to and around the West Bank.

Israel has rescinded some travel privileges for those clergy because of security concerns.

Israel and the Palestinian territories are home to a small Christian minority.

Sambi complained that the Knesset has failed to give necessary approval to various accords that had been signed by both sides, and noted that an impasse over taxes has been discussed on and off for nearly 10 years without resolution.

He blamed the situation on Israel's "absence of political will."

"Everyone can see what kind of trust you can give to Israel's promises," Sambi said.

Asked about Sambi's criticisms, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said: "Israel is interested in good relations with the Vatican and Israeli and Vatican officials are working to overcome gaps that exist."

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said the interview with Sambi "reflects his thinking and his personal experience" during the diplomat's former posting in Israel.

Lombardi said the Holy See reiterated the hope, expressed in September when Benedict met with Israeli President Shimon Peres, for a "rapid conclusion of the important negotiations" and a common solution to "existing problems."

Earlier this year, tensions developed between the Vatican and Israel when the Holy See's ambassador to Israel initially decided to boycott a Holocaust memorial service because of allegations that during World War II Pope Pius XII was silent about the mass killings of Jews.

'Vatican-Israeli ties worsening'

[Shammu]

Israeli relations with the European Union to be enhanced

'Vatican-Israeli ties worsening'

[nChrist]

Hello Dreamweaver,

I don't think that I've seen this particular clock graphic before. I think that it represents what folks call the doomsday clock. I'll also assume that it indicates seconds now for the countdown - midnight being it.

It's interesting how many different thoughts there are about doomsday, all with completely different meanings. As an example, some think about doomsday as the absolute end, nuclear war, and any number of other things.

As Christians, we should know that there is yet much Bible Prophecy to be fulfilled. There won't be an end, rather just an end to this Age of Grace. Many Bible Scholars refer to the time that we are living in as the "CHURCH" Age. Both terms are right, and they represent a unique time in human history. The "CHURCH" is much different than what the world considers things. In fact, the reality of the "CHURCH" is something that most people don't understand at all, even after it's explained.

The "CHURCH" was a mystery not known to men of other ages. As an example, the Old Testament Prophets didn't know about it, and it does not appear in Old Testament Bible Prophecy. Most of mankind attaches this term to brick and mortar buildings or man-named religions and denominations. That isn't it. In fact, this involves a secret that was kept by GOD since before the foundation of the world.

The Mystery of the "CHURCH" was only revealed to one Apostle, the Apostle Paul - Apostle to the Gentiles. This Mystery was unknown to the Twelve Apostles to the Jews until the Apostle Paul revealed it to them. Study of the "Mystery" reveals the most precious TRUTHS in the Bible. The "CHURCH" spoken of isn't made with human hands, and it isn't of this world.

The ONLY TRUE CHURCH is the BODY OF CHRIST. CHRIST HIMSELF is the HEAD, and the members of HIS CHURCH are HIS BODY. Membership in HIS CHURCH is exclusive, and there is only one way to join HIS CHURCH. Faith in JESUS CHRIST and what HE did on the CROSS is the only way to join this exclusive and Eternal CHURCH. Membership is offered as a GIFT by GOD that can't be earned or bought. Faith in the HEAD of the CHURCH is the ONLY way to enter this HOLY and Eternal CHURCH. There aren't any men to place any faith in.

Brothers and Sisters, I think what we are looking at is possibly the end days of this Age of Grace - the CHURCH Age. If so, this would mean an end of GOD'S patience to evil men who have rejected HIM. The Seven Year Tribulation Period is what comes after the CHURCH Age. This period of time will be one of terror and horrible things happening to the people of the earth. I believe that CHRIST'S CHURCH is taken HOME to Heaven before this horrible time begins, but others would disagree with my opinion. The SECOND COMING OF CHRIST happens at the end of the Tribulation Period. Great Battles will be fought, and JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF will pour out HIS Righteous Wrath on evil men who have rejected him.

JESUS CHRIST is and always has been the Anointed KING of the JEWS, but HE was denied HIS Throne by Israel's rejection. Israel will come close to total annihilation during the Tribulation Period and will cry out to GOD. JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF will answer them and fight their final battles. Israel will accept their KING and MESSIAH this time, and GOD will restore Israel. JESUS CHRIST will rule and reign over the earth from the Throne of David in Jerusalem for 1,000 years.

As Christians, our end in this short life is simply a new and glorious beginning. Our HOME and CITIZENSHIP is in Heaven for Eternity, so we have no end. The lost don't have an end either. The lost will spend eternity in the fires of Hell.

Love In Christ,
Tom

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

[nChrist]

GOOD NEWS!

1:  Romans 3:10 NASB  as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

2:  Romans 3:23  NASB  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

3:  Romans 5:12  NASB  Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--

4:  Romans 6:23  NASB  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5:  Romans 1:18  NASB  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

6:  Romans 3:20  NASB  because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

7:  Romans 3:27  NASB  Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

8:  Romans 5:8-9  NASB  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

9:  Romans 2:4  NASB  Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

10:  Romans 3:22  NASB  even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;

11:  Romans 3:28  NASB  For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

12:  Romans 10:9  NASB  that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

13:  Romans 4:21  NASB  and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

14:  Romans 4:24 NASB  but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

15:  Romans 5:1  NASB  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

16:  Romans 10:10  NASB  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

17:  Romans 10:13  NASB  for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable GIFT!, JESUS CHRIST, our Lord and Saviour forever!

[HisDaughter]

'Vatican-Israeli ties worsening'

Surprised? Not.

[Soldier4Christ]

'Vatican-Israeli ties worsening'

Surprised? Not.

Nope and it's not surprising that Vatican-Islam ties are improving.

[nChrist]

Brothers and Sisters,

There appears to be a large number of huge bombs in the Middle East with the fuses already lit. It's only a matter of time before 1 or more goes off and probably starts a chain reaction. The alliances are falling into place for Bible Prophecy, and the entities mentioned in Bible Prophecy are already active. It won't be just Israel, Syria, and Iran. Just consider the Revived Roman Empire, and make sure that you include Russia and China into the equation. Things are happening right now that don't appear to make much sense, and they won't until Bible Prophecy is unfolded.

These are dangerous and evil times for the entire world. But they are fascinating times for Christians and might represent our HOME-COMING soon! Israel doesn't make much sense yet either, but GOD isn't through teaching them. In fact, GOD isn't through teaching the entire world. The entire world will find out soon what belongs to GOD and how foolish it is to disobey and reject HIM. However, it will be too late, and the time is getting short. ALMIGHTY GOD has more power wrapped up in one breath than all of mankind's weapons combined. In fact, HIS Power can't be measured because it is without limits.

Most of the world mocks and laughs about anything said in the Holy Bible. They don't believe that GOD is real, so they obviously don't believe that the Bible is GOD'S WORD. They will have to find out the hard way. Christians might not be here tomorrow. Have you ever thought about how that would impact the entire world. I know that many would simply say "Good riddance", but there will be a dramatic impact. All we can do is yield to GOD'S Will and pray. GOD'S Will be done, and we can be sure that it will be!

Love In Christ,
Tom

   

[HisDaughter]

. Have you ever thought about how that would impact the entire world.

In one way I'd like to see their faces when it happens, but on the hand I think that the look on some of their faces would break my heart.

[Shammu]

EU-Africa-Summit - Creating a true and equal partnership?

From 8th to 9th December 2007 heads of states and governments of African countries and of the European Union will meet in Lisbon for the second time ever to conclude a common vision and joint strategy for future relations. The first EU Africa summit- held in Cairo in 2000 - ended with the adoption of the Cairo Declaration. In recent years and with achievements like the EU Africa strategy of 2005, the foundation of the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), but also the negotiations for new regional free trade agreements, the so-called Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), the relationship between the EU and Africa has evolved substantially.

The EU wants mutual relations to move towards a new strategic partnership that is guided by the political vision of a joint EUAfrica strategy. The joint strategy is an attempt to concentrate fragmented EU sector policies dealing with African countries into a coherent strategy that serves the promotion of peace and security, sustainable development and democratic governance.

But in political reality, are these objectives what the ambitious joint strategy is to accomplish? Are the institutional preconditions met in both Europe and in Africa to implement the joint strategy? What is the meaning of a true and equal partnership if it is to evolve beyond - politically correct - rhetoric and past experiences? Will Europe be able to free itself from the paternalism of the past? How does the EU’s economic self-interest relate to Africa’s economic development? Will the expanding EU security interests- from supporting peace operations to meeting its energy supplies - dominate other external policies such as development or humanitarian aid? Judging by the outcomes of the recent G8 summit in Germany a long way is still to go.

These are some of the political challenges on the eve of the EU Africa summit. Taking into account latest developments in governance, security, energy, trade and economic development between the EU and African countries the international conference aims to shed light on existing obstacles and political challenges a new vision for EU-Africa-relations faces as they appear from a development perspective.

EU-Africa-Summit - Creating a true and equal partnership?

[nChrist]

In one way I'd like to see their faces when it happens, but on the hand I think that the look on some of their faces would break my heart.

Hello Grammyluv,

Sister Yvette, I really wonder how many people will understand it and connect it to Bible Prophecy. I also believe that many will be glad to see the Christians gone. They will have to come up with some type of story and explanation about why so many graves are empty and why so many living Christians have disappeared from the face of the earth. Now, think about our mainstream news media and wonder about what story they will come up with. I seriously doubt it will be from the Bible.

We know what the real headlines should be, but what will they actually be? I just can't imagine the real headline of "JESUS CHRIST Raptures HIS CHURCH Home to Heaven". They'll have to cover it in some way. How about "Aliens Abduct Millions"?

Love In Christ,
Tom

KEEP LOOKING UP!!

[Def]

Hello Grammyluv,

Sister Yvette, I really wonder how many people will understand it and connect it to Bible Prophecy. I also believe that many will be glad to see the Christians gone. They will have to come up with some type of story and explanation about why so many graves are empty and why so many living Christians have disappeared from the face of the earth. Now, think about our mainstream news media and wonder about what story they will come up with. I seriously doubt it will be from the Bible.

We know what the real headlines should be, but what will they actually be? I just can't imagine the real headline of "JESUS CHRIST Raptures HIS CHURCH Home to Heaven". They'll have to cover it in some way. How about "Aliens Abduct Millions"?

Love In Christ,
Tom

KEEP LOOKING UP!!

Hello, Brother Tom
I think they are getting prepare  to cover their back.
you are right, they will be saying "Aliens Abduct Millions.
3 more years is not to soon
Come Lord Jesus come
bring it on  ,Im ready 'im Saved
 set appart
 looking up!
got my white dress on
 and Im good to go!
Love in Jesus (":") Def

[Shammu]

ROME I: time for European Parliament to demonstrate commitment to better regulation
19 November 2007

ESBA today once again voiced the serious concerns of its members regarding the European Commission's proposal for a Regulation on the law applicable to contractual obligations in civil and commercial matters (Rome I). A draft report will be adopted in the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee on Tuesday 20th November but, as yet, the proposal has not undergone a full Impact Assessment by any of the EU Institutions.

ESBA today once again voiced the serious concerns of its members regarding the European Commission's proposal for a Regulation on the law applicable to contractual obligations in civil and commercial matters (Rome I). A draft report will be adopted in the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee on Tuesday 20th November but, as yet, the proposal has not undergone a full Impact Assessment by any of the EU Institutions.

In contrast to current arrangements, which give consumers the protection of their home country's mandatory laws when a business actively targets customers in that country, Article 5 of Rome I implies that this jurisdiction will now govern all contracts relating to business online, in their entirety. Any well run SME trading across borders online will therefore want to understand the legal systems in up to 27 EU Member States.

Speaking ahead of the Committee meeting, ESBA President, Tina Sommer said, 'SMEs will simply not be able to afford the legal, translation and implementation fees necessary to trade across the EU. They will act as a deterrent to cross-border e-commerce.' Indeed, in the absence of an Impact Assessment at EU level, The Federation of Small Businesses, an ESBA member, has estimated these to be at least EUR 15,000 per SME, per member state - in excess of EUR 240,000 for the whole EU Market!¹

Beyond the vast financial burdens, ESBA considers that 'Rome I' will limit growth and jobs. In addition, completion of the Single Market (a Review of which is ironically scheduled to be published this week) will be hindered. Far from protecting consumers, individuals and SMEs will be disadvantaged. According to a Eurobarometer poll, only 29% of retailers today sell cross-border, using distance-selling methods.² This will get worse if Article 5 of the Commission's proposal is applied, reducing choice in the EU.

'Whilst a series of amendments have been proposed, ESBA considers that the only way forward with this proposal is to take a step back,' Tina Sommer added. 'There is a lack of evidence to suggest that the current Rome Convention needs changing into a Regulation and our research has revealed Rome I's damaging implications. I again urge the Parliament to demonstrate its commitment to Better Regulation by calling for the proposal to be withdrawn until a full Impact Assessment is carried out'

The European Small Business Alliance (ESBA) is a non-party political European group, which cares for small business entrepreneurs and the self-employed and represents them through targeted EU advocacy activities. ESBA also works towards the development of strong independent advocacy and benefits groups in European countries. ESBA is one of the largest organisations based on free/voluntary membership in Europe. Through its direct membership, associate membership and cooperation agreements, ESBA today represents almost one million small businesses and covers 35 European countries.

ROME I: time for European Parliament to demonstrate commitment to better regulation