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Europe 2008

Europe 2008 Kosovo independence “in days” Headline Kosovo's independence 'in days' Headline BBConline January 24 2008 Event

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Europe 2008

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  1. Europe 2008

  2. Kosovo independence “in days” Headline Kosovo's independence 'in days' Headline BBConline January 24 2008 Event Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has said a declaration of independence is "an issue of days". "There are some procedures we need to respect and some consultations," he told reporters after meeting EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in Brussels. Kosovo is still technically a southern province of Serbia, which strongly opposes its independence. EU states have asked Kosovo's leadership to wait before a civilian mission can take over from the UN. Comment We asked the question on the previous slide “Why does Russia feel the need this week to announce that it is ready to use force, including pre-emptively with nuclear weapons?” I have not read anyone making the link between this statement and the imminent events in Kosovo but perhaps the two are linked. Russia insists any change in Kosovo's status must have the backing of Belgrade as well as Pristina. Moscow's ambassador to Nato, Dmitry Rogozin, has called on Serbia to resist Western recognition of independence for Kosovo, saying it could open a "Pandora's box". Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Serbian counterpart Boris Tadic on Friday that he "categorically" opposes a unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo, as the leaders oversaw the signing of a key energy accord. "During talks at today's meeting I again confirmed that Russia is categorically against a unilateral declaration of independence" by Kosovo, Putin told journalists. "This would risk provoking serious damage to the whole of the international legal system and would have negative consequences both for the Balkans and the world," Putin said. Russia feels that the Serbs are of the same blood and faith as the Orthodox Russian nation. Russia feels protective of its ethnic and religious kin in the Balkans. This “push” against Russia, if and when it comes, might provoke a reaction…. Bible Quote Daniel 11 40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind,

  3. EU treaty “will shift power to Europe” Headline EU treaty 'will shift power to Europe‘ Headline Daily Telegraph January 21 2008 Event The EU Reform Treaty backed by Gordon Brown paves the way for "a massive and fundamental" shift of power to Europe, a senior Labour MP charged by Parliament with assessing its impact will tell the Commons today. The comments from Michael Connarty, the pro-European chairman of the all-party European Scrutiny Committee, will mark an explosive start to five weeks of Parliamentary debate on the Treaty - and stoke the growing clamour for a referendum. The Tories, who support a referendum, last night accused Mr Brown, who is on the last leg of a tour of the Far East, of "running scared" over the vital issue of Europe by making sure he is out of the country when the ratification process gets under way. Directly contradicting the Prime Minister, who claims he has protected British sovereignty by negotiating "red lines" into the text, Mr Connarty argues these will do little to halt the gradual transfer of power from national parliaments and courts to Europe. Comment The new Treaty, also known as the Lisbon Treaty, has to be ratified by national parliaments or in referendums in all 27 EU countries to come into effect. It will scrap dozens of national vetoes, create a new full-time EU President and foreign affairs supremo, and give the EU a legal personality allowing it to sign international treaties. Revelation 17 speaks of a “beast”, Bible symbology for and empire. It comes out of a bottomless pit (ie coming back to life). It is a European empire. It has the same characteristics of the 4th beast in Daniel 7 which is the Roman empire. We note below how the “kings” or rulers give THEIR POWER TO THE BEAST… Bible Quote Revelation 17 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

  4. Poland 'agrees' to host US shield Headline Poland 'agrees' to host US shield Headline BBConline February 2 2008 Event Poland and the US have reached an agreement in principle to install a controversial American missile defence system on Polish soil. In return for hosting part of the shield, the US has said it will help bolster Poland's air defences. The US wants to install interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic. Russia opposes the project, saying it would destabilise global security and undermine its own nuclear deterrent. In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin compared the plans to the Cuban missile crisis of the 1960s, which saw the US and Soviet Union go to the brink of nuclear war. Russia has threatened to point missiles at Europe if the US positions elements of the new missile shield near its borders. Comment There is one moment in history when nuclear war was closest to happening. It was at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Russia had secretly begun to build missile bases in Cuba – right on America’s doorstep. Tensions rapidly escalated between Russia and America. Finally an agreement was reached in which America would remove all its missiles from Turkey in exchange for Russia removing its missiles from Cuba. What is interesting in the report above is that Putin says that the missile shield now agreed between the USA and Poland is comparable to the Cuban missile crisis. America though is not backing down and is pressing ahead. If Putin really does see these missiles in the same light as America saw the Russian missiles in Cuba we may be closer to conflict than many might imagine. In Daniel we read that there is a final “push” from the king of the south at the time of the end. The push could mean a military provocation. This may be part of it! Bible Quote Daniel 11 40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind

  5. Vatican Assaults Prodi, Again Headline Vatican Assaults Prodi, Again Headline The Trumpet January 28 2008 Event The Vatican has been accused of trying to bring down the Italian government after a Catholic minister abandoned Romano Prodi's coalition government, leaving it facing collapse. The prime minister was forced to call a vote of confidence after Clemente Mastella, the former justice minister, withdrew his support on Monday. The impetus for his change of heart appears to have come from the Vatican, which has voiced its disapproval at Mr Prodi's stance on gay rights and abortion. The Vatican also shook the government last year, when Mr Prodi lost a vote on his foreign policy on the same day that a gay marriage bill entered parliament. Comment Ever since becoming pope, Benedict has used politics as one of his tools to instill Christianity back into the heart of Europe. Just a couple of months into his reign, for example, the Vatican called for a boycott of a referendum to change Italy’s strict fertility laws. The boycott was successful in voiding the referendum. Most recently, Benedict told politicians in a papal document released March 13 [2007] they must not vote for laws that go against the Catholic Church’s position. Catholic legislators must strenuously defend the church’s “non-negotiable values,” the pope stated. This is about more than just blocking laws that promote immorality. The Catholic Church is seeking to unite Europe under the power of religion—the Catholic religion, and Catholic laws. Soon the Vatican’s efforts will not be limited to a pro-family agenda. Watch for its political pressure to be applied to other areas. Soon it will attempt to impose its beliefs in areas such as Sunday worship on the whole European continent. The pope has demonstrated his political clout in Italy. We know that this false religion with its roots in Babel (Babylon) will continue to influence Europe (the Beast). Bible Quote Revelation 17 3 and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

  6. Serb head in stark Kosovo warning Headline Serb head in stark Kosovo warning Headline BBConline February 8 2008 Event Serbian President Boris Tadic has warned of an escalation in conflicts if Kosovo declares independence as expected later this month. Mr Tadic said he could not accept the dismemberment of his country and called for renewed talks on the issue. The pro-Western leader was speaking at the opening of an annual security conference in Munich. The US and most members of the EU say they will support independence for Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority. "Should Serbia be partitioned against its will... it could in turn result in the escalation of many existing conflicts, the reactivation of a number of frozen conflicts, and the instigation of who knows how many new conflicts," said Mr Tadic. Comment What has been little reported is the role of the Vatican behind the scenes during the recent elections in Serbia. Pope Benedict received the President of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu, in a private audience Saturday, revealing the Vatican’s continued interest in the future of the Balkans. The meeting came just before Serbia’s presidential election runoff round. As a political leader in his own right, the pope meeting with Kosovo’s leader lends a sense of legitimacy to the tiny province’s aims for independence. One headline said “The Vatican meddling in Balkan affairs should be sounding off historically terrifying echoes”. The echoes are those of World War II when Nazi Germany (aided by the Vatican) came close to taking control of the whole region. It is worth noting that Kosovo (Albanian) are mainly Catholic. The Serbs are mainly Christian Orthodox. This area is therefore the dividing line of the 2 legs of Daniel’s image. The legs represent the dividing of the Roman Empire into East and West. Bible Quote Daniel 2 3 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

  7. Headline Russia could use force over Kosovo Headlines BBConline February 22 2008 Event Russia's ambassador to Nato, Dmitry Rogozin, has warned that Russia could use military force if the Kosovo independence dispute escalates. "If the EU develops a unified position or if Nato exceeds its mandate set by the UN, then these organisations will be in conflict with the UN," he said. In that case Russia would "proceed on the basis that in order to be respected we need to use brute military force", he said. Comment A crisis in the Balkans led to World War I. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo was committed by the Serbs. The crisis led to war between Austria and Serbia. So why did that conflict soon involve the rest of the Great Powers and create a World War? In 1914 both sides believed that they were in a strong position to win if war came. The Austrians had German backing; the Serbs had promises from Russia . Here we are in 2008 with another crisis in the Balkans. Serbia is in the centre of the crisis and once more Russia is backing Serbia. The West in general is backing Kosovo. Russia is warning in explicit terms that if the EU or Nato develops a unified position over Kosovan independence then Russia will use brute military force. Putin has said that the decision to recognize Kosovo would "come back to knock them on the head.” The tension in Serbia is growing quickly. Serb tanks have taken position near the Kosovo border. The US has shut down its embassy following an attack on it in Serbia. The Bible says that Russia will be “pushed” at by the king of the South. The “push” leads the king of the north to descend into the Middle East and Israel. Bible Quote Daniel 1140 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind The first “him” in verse 40 is the king in verse 36-39. This king is a continuation of the king of the north mentioned in verse 21-34. The 2nd “him” is the king of the south. Russia could use force over Kosovo

  8. Headline Kosovo Serbs call for return of Russian troops Headlines Daily Telegraph February 19 2008 Event Serbs in Kosovo called on Wednesday for the return of Russian peacekeepers to the country after the ethnic Albanian majority's declaration of independence from Serbia this month. The call was made by the Serb National Council, a grouping of Kosovo Serb leaders in the Serb stronghold of northern Mitrovica. "The Serb National Council calls on Russia to return its KFOR contingent, to stabilise the situation in areas where Serbs are in the majority," Council leader Milan Ivanovic said. In a statement on Sunday, the Russian foreign ministry demanded a compromise solution on Kosovo. Comment The situation in Serbia remains very tense. In a new sign of the deepening ethnic divide, dozens of Serb officers in the Kosovo police service failed to report for duty on Wednesday. The Serbs this week have called on Russia to send in troops. Meanwhile, Germany is to send more troops to Kosovo after turbulence following the province's declaration of independence from Serbia, an army source said on Friday. These troops are also meant to demonstrate the force's strength in the context of recent violence, one source said. Last week we highlighted the significance of this area with the outbreak of the First World War. Serbia and Austria ended up at war but both had the backing of the major powers at that time. Serbia had the backing of Russia. Austria had the backing of Germany. This time we see the major powers backing the conflicting parties. Russia again backs Serbia. Interestingly Germany is sending more troops to Kosovo. Once more we can see how this situation could escalate with neither side backing down. Russia is angered. It may be a push to far. Bible Quote Daniel 1140 and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships Serbs call for return of Russian troops

  9. NATO Urges Russia Headline NATO Urges Russia To Tone Down Rhetoric Headline DefenseNews March 12 2008 Event NATO urged Russia on March 12 to tone down its "fiery rhetoric" after repeated Moscow attacks on the growing influence of the military alliance and U.S. plans to base parts of a missile shield in Europe. "We have seen too much rhetoric at too high a level ... we would like to see it dialed down," NATO spokesman James Appathurai told the Russian press in a video-conference, speaking from Brussels. "Fiery rhetoric does make the headlines and there has been a little too much of it," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 7 accused NATO of aiming to replace the United Nations and warned of raising the potential for conflict. Relations between Russia and the Western military alliance have deteriorated in recent years amid a NATO expansion drive, U.S. plans to install anti-missile defenses in central Europe and Moscow's suspension of a key Cold War-era arms pact. Comment NATO is a military alliance established by the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949. It is made up of the nations of Western Europe and America. The main adversary of NATO was the Soviet Union. NATO has only used military action twice. Both times in relation to Serbia/Kosovo. NATO has continued to expand in terms of the number of countries that are part of it. 7 northern and eastern European countries joined NATO in 2004. Other countries in eastern Europe also want to join. These include Georgia, Albania, Croatia etc. Russia is not happy at the eastward expansion of NATO and considers it a threat. Hence Putin’s comments this week saying there is “the potential for conflict”. The Russian bear feels caged and boxed in. When cornered bears can be ferocious. We know Russia will be pushed by the King of the South and pulled by God into Israel. Bible Quote Ezekiel 38 4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army NATO countries in blue

  10. EU must boost military capabilities Headline EU must boost military capabilities in face of climate change Headline EUobserver March 10 2008 Event The European Union should boost its civil and military capacities to respond to "serious security risks" resulting from catastrophic climate change expected this century, according to a joint report from the EU's two top foreign policy officials. The EU and member states should further build up their capabilities with regards to civil protection, and civil and military crisis management and disaster response instruments to react to the security risks posed by climate change, reads a paper by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Comment There is suddenly a realisation that the good times cannot last. We are running out of resources. The world leaders are perplexed and worried. Worries include water shortages and the consequent food price increases that result from lower crop yields, all of which could lead to civil unrest, particularly in the Middle East. This in turn puts pressure on energy security. Europe’s answer to these uncertainties and perplexities is to increase military capabilities. After all (they reason) if nations become more radicalised as resources begin to dwindle we need to protect our citizens. Therefore we need more military might to do this. The Bible speaks of these thoughts being present in the world when Christ comes back. Jesus speaks of a time when upon the earth there will be “distress of nations, with perplexity”. The prophet Joel says that nations will begin to prepare for war, beating plowshares into swords. Revelation also speaks specifically of Europe (the beast) making war against Christ and his saints at his return. Bible Quote Revelation 11 18 …and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

  11. Headline Sarkozy: Israel must stop 'colonization‘ Headline Jerusalem Post March 11 2008 Event Israel's security depends upon a halt to "colonization" in the West Bank, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Monday, as he welcomed his counterpart President Shimon Peres for a five-day state visit. Sarkozy said France would "always be at [Israel's] side" and insisted the best way for Israel to battle terrorism was to help restart the stalled Mideast peace process. French-Israeli ties have warmed considerably under Sarkozy after the 12-year tenure of his predecessor, Jacques Chirac, whom many saw as more pro-Arab. But Sarkozy's France has reacted coolly to Israel's recent announcements that it was stepping up housing and apartment construction in the West Bank and in east Jerusalem. Comment Last Sunday the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert approved a plan to build up to 750 new homes in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank. The new building was announced three days after a Palestinian gunman killed eight students at a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem that was associated with the settler movement. The international condemnation of Israel was soon in coming. The French president told Israel to stop “colonisation”. The nations believe that if Israel would just get out of the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem all would be resolved – all would be well. The Lord God says clearly in the verse below that he will gather ALL nations to Israel to a final great battle. These nations that are gathered are the ones who have scattered his people among the nations and have “PARTED MY LAND”. The word “parted” is normally translated “divided”. Is this not precisely what the nations of the world are doing. Trying to divide God’s land. He will judge them for this… Bible Quote Joel 3 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Sarkozy: Israel must stop 'colonization'

  12. Headline NATO Hands Russia a Small Victory Headline Stratfor April 6 2008 Event At its summit in Bucharest, NATO decided not to move Ukraine and Georgia into the Membership Action Plan, telling the two states that at sometime in the future they would get their invitations to membership, but just not now. Instead, NATO focused its membership drive on the Balkans, offering invitations to Albania and Croatia. While Russia may claim victory in keeping NATO out of Ukraine and Georgia for now, the support for missile defence and the whole-scale move into the Balkans was a clear demonstration of NATO’s challenge to Russia’s claims to influence and power. Russia could not stop the missile defence plan, and its warnings on Kosovo independence have gone unheeded (and unfulfilled). Comment There is a lot here which is significant. Firstly NATO decided NOT to move into Georgia. NATO is a military alliance that says if one nation in NATO is attacked then it is treated as an attack on all nations in NATO. Georgia is the territory through which Russia will descend when it attacks Israel. It is also part of the ancient territory of Magog. If Georgia had joined NATO then at the point Russia invades Georgia, the rest of Europe would have had to defend Georgia against Russia. This would then have bought Europe and Russia at war against each other. This is not what the scriptures foretell. Therefore Georgia remains outside NATO. The other interesting element is summed up in the cartoon above. America is pumping up the balloon (NATO) and it is pushing against the Ural mountains of Russia. The bear (Russia) is aiming a catapult at the balloon, obviously intending to burst it. The Bible speaks of Russia being PUSHED at by the king of the south (America, UK etc). It is a push from the king of the south that persuades Russia in its anger to invade Israel. Bible Quote Daniel 11 40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships. NATO Hands Russia a Small Victory

  13. Nato warns Russia over Georgia Headline Nato warns Russia as Georgia tension rises Headline The Daily Telegraph May 1 2008 Event Nato warned Russia on Wednesday that it was "escalating tension" and threatening a Western ally by increasing the number of troops in two breakaway regions of Georgia. Tensions in the region rose last week after a Russian MiG-29 shot down a Georgian spy plane over Abkhazia. Russia denied involvement. "Any attempt by the Georgian side to resolve the conflicts with force against Russian peacekeepers and also against Russian citizens will be met with an adequate and tough answer," the Russian defence ministry said. Comment When Kosovo declared itself to be an independent nation in February, Russia made several warnings that this act would have “consequences”. One of the consequences it mentioned was that other territories that wanted independence would then want to declare they were also new nations. Georgia has two such territories that want to break away. Abkhazia and South Ossetia. (See map above). Since the independence of Kosovo, Russia has begun to stoke up the tensions with Georgia by encouraging and arming these regions. Russia said on Thursday an extra contingent of its troops had begun arriving in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, a move Tbilisi said was an illegal act of military aggression. Russia announced this week it was deploying hundreds of additional peacekeeping troops to the tiny sliver of land of the Black Sea to counter what it said were Georgian plans for an attack on Moscow-backed separatists in the region. The whole area of Georgia is significant as it is the territory through which Russia will descend on its way to Israel. We could be watching the opening moves of the final conflict. The verse below speaks of an a northern nation being stirred up… Bible Quote Jeremiah 6 22 This is what the LORD says: "Look, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is being stirred up from the ends of the earth.”

  14. Headline Fuel protests spread across Europe Headline Daily Telegraph May 30 2008 Event Fuel protests triggered by rising oil prices have spread to more countries across Europe, with thousands of fishermen on strike. Union leaders said Portugal's entire coastal fleet stayed in port on Friday, while in Spain, 7,000 fishermen held protests at the agriculture ministry. French fishermen have been protesting for weeks, with Belgian and Italian colleagues also involved. UK and Dutch lorry drivers held similar protests earlier this week. Comment As the Telegraph reports today “All over Europe, the rocketing cost of food and fuel is straining family budgets, stirring unrest and shaking governments.” The world has become totally dependent on fuel / oil. It was not always the case though.. Amazingly it was exactly 100 years ago (May 26th 1908) that the British explorer George Reynolds made the first big discovery of oil in the Middle East. Shortly before dawn on the morning of May 26 1908, it came gushing out of the sands of Persia in quantities that would transform not just the region’s fortunes but the entire world. The company Mr Reynolds worked for is now called BP. The discovery of oil has corresponded with the incredible growth in knowledge and the transformation of the world in terms of technology. The world now though is dependent on oil – almost like a drug. And just like drug users will turn to violence and crime to feed the habit so will the inhabitants of the world. Jesus said we would see the “sea and waves roaring” at the time he would return. Luke 21:25. The sea and waves are symbolic of people. Ezekiel 26:3. We see them beginning to roar now. We also read in the verse below that at the “time of the end” men will rush backwards and forward and knowledge shall increase! Bible Quote Daniel 12 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Fuel protests spread across Europe

  15. Headline Nato warns Russia over Abkhazia Headline BBConline June 3 2008 Event Nato's secretary general has demanded that Russia withdraw troops it sent to the disputed breakaway Georgian province of Abkhazia last week. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer accused Russia of breaching Georgia's sovereignty by sending in military railway personnel. Mr de Hoop Scheffer said the Russian move was "contributing to instability in what is already a volatile area". Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in a war in the early 1990s after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Russia announced on Saturday that it was sending 300 members of an unarmed unit from the army's railway force to the province to help carry out repairs on the network, labelling the move a humanitarian effort. Georgia responded that Russia is planning a military intervention in the province. Comment This is a small step but perhaps significant. Russia is beginning to send troops in the guise of humanitarian effort into another sovereign nations territory. It is quite obvious that Nato sees it for what it is – military aggression and has demanded that Russia withdraw the troops. There is little chance that Russia will listen to Nato on this subject. Russia is in effect backing Abkhazia’s claim that it (like Kosovo) is a separate nation to Georgia. Russia was infuriated when Kosovo was given independence and this is Russia’s way of getting back at the West. What is significant to us is that Russia will descend through this territory on the way down to Israel. When they do they will come like a whirlwind and none shall stop them. Bible Quote Daniel 1140 and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. Nato warns Russia over Abkhazia

  16. Headline Call for EU to build its own army Headline BBConline June 5 2008 Event An influential Polish member of the European parliament has called for the EU to develop "hard power" and spend more money to build a European army. Foreign affairs committee chairman Jacek Saryusz-Wolski also wants the European parliament to have the final say on deployments under the EU flag. The French have said beefing up the EU's military capability will be a key part of their six-month presidency. The BBC has been told their plans also include a new EU military headquarters. Other items on the French list of proposals involve calling upon all EU countries to increase spending on defence to meet a new target of perhaps 6% of Gross Domestic Product. Comment The main proposals for this are coming from the French who shortly take over the presidency of the EU. The proposals, circulated to European governments in a five-page document detailing Paris's security policy priorities, include common EU funding of military operations, a European fleet of military transport aircraft, European military satellites, a European defence college, and the development of exchange programmes for officers among EU states. We know from the scriptures that Europe will be a united fighting force and will ultimately make war against Christ when he has returned. This is made clear in Revelation 17 where we read of “the beast” which has 10 horns. The 10 horns are 10 kings that give their power to the beast. The beast is a continuation of the 4th beast in Daniel 7. The 4th beast is the empire of Rome. We see in Revelation that the 4th beast comes out of a bottomless pit. I.e. The Roman Empire in some way is restored. We see Europe as this restored Roman empire now wanting an army! Bible Quote Revelation 17 14 ¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: Call for EU to build its own army

  17. Brussels in disarray over Treaty Headline Brussels in disarray over Ireland's rejection of Lisbon Treaty Headline Daily Telegraph June 14 2008 Event Governments across the EU pledged last night to carry on with the process of implementing the treaty - the successor to the abandoned constitution - despite the Irish vote. But with the treaty requiring the ratification of all 27 member states, there was no clear idea how they could move forward. Gordon Brown is now under intense pressure to declare the Lisbon Treaty dead after Irish voters overwhelmingly rejected the European Union's drive toward greater integration. Comment Europe desperately wants this treaty. It will give Europe a legal identity for the first time. It would also give it an EU President. He would takeover key international negotiations from national heads of government. A new foreign minister would be created. EU law would become supreme. The Treaty includes a clause hardwiring an EU "legal personality" and ascendancy over national courts. BUT! Every nation in Europe must agree. With Ireland voting NO Europe is stuck again. This happened of course with the previous Constitution when France voted NON! The Lisbon Treaty was then created following the French NO and now this too has hit the rocks. Europe won’t give up though. But will it succeed in creating an Empire? In Daniel 2:41 we read that the kingdom (partly iron and partly clay) will be DIVIDED. The iron is of course symbolic of Rome the 4th Empire. The uniting of Europe is a project that has spanned millennia. In Revelation we read of 10 kings giving their power and strength to the beast. This is the 4th beast of Daniel 7. The Roman Empire. Note that they do NOT have a kingdom as yet. They never do achieve a true kingdom. Bible Quote Revelation 17 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. The kings of Europe do have power with the beast but NOT a kingdom

  18. Czech threat looms for EU treaty Headline Czech threat looms for EU treaty Headline BBConline June 20 2008 Event EU leaders have admitted that the Czech Republic may not be able to ratify the Lisbon Treaty, which has already been rejected by the Irish. The declaration from their summit in Brussels notes that the Czech process is on hold due to legal difficulties. But they said ratification would continue elsewhere, and ruled out renegotiation of the treaty. But British PM Gordon Brown said the UK could not definitively ratify it until a court ruled on a legal challenge. It followed a warning from a judge in the case that ratification should be delayed until the ruling was in. The treaty passed through British parliament this week, but has still to complete formal ratification. Mr Brown said the judge's intervention would not affect the process, which would not have been completed until after the court judgement anyway. Comment Revelation 17 is a vision given to John about a woman sitting on a beast. The question is. Is John viewing this from his position in the late first century. Or is he viewing these events as if he had been transported forward in time. I.e. as if he were viewing the events as they are happening in our day (but in a vision). It seems from the first verse that John is being transported forward in time. “Come hither” the angel says. And in verse 2 John is “carried away”. He is then shown the final vision, the final stage of the beast. If this is the case then phrases such as “received no kingdom as yet” are written as if viewed from the present. When John states they received no kingdom as yet he is not saying that one day they will receive a kingdom. He is saying they want one but haven’t got one at the time he saw the vision. This means therefore they never will, Christ intervenes. Bible Quote Revelation 17 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. The empire (kingdom) they long for remains out of their grasp.

  19. ‘Israel must share Jerusalem’ Headline French president says Israel must share Jerusalem Associated Press June 23 2008 Event French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Monday there could be no Mideast peace unless Israel drops its refusal to cede sovereignty over parts of Jerusalem claimed by the Palestinians, challenging one of Israel's most emotionally held positions. Speaking to a packed session of the legislature, Sarkozy called on Israel to stop settlement in the West Bank. But he tempered his address by assuring Israel that it could count on France's support in halting Iran's nuclear program. Sarkozy, whose maternal grandfather was a Greek Jew, praised Israel's democracy and quoted the biblical passage in which God promises the Holy Land to the children of Israel. Comment This was the first French state visit to Israel in 12 years. The French President, Nicolas Sarkozy said a peace agreement would allow the two peoples (Israelis and Palestinians) to live together in peace and security. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 that when people are talking about and advising on “peace and safety (security)” then sudden destruction will come. Here we have another world leader “advising” and “speaking” on the subject of “peace and safety”. It will lead to destruction. Why? Well look at his advice. He is telling the Jews to divide Jerusalem. He is telling the Jews to stop building on the West Bank. He is telling the Jews to divide God’s land. Remarkably he even has the audacity to quote from the Bible where God says he will give the land to the Jews! This man may seem friendly but ultimately France along with Europe will fight against Israel. He came as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. See Matthew 7:15. We know that anyone who burdens themselves with Jerusalem will be cut in pieces. Bible Quote Zechariah 12 3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces Mr Sarkozy is burdening himself with Jerusalem. The fate of those who do is clear….

  20. Sarkozy launches Mediterranean union Headline Sarkozy launches Mediterranean union Headline The Guardian July 14 2008 Event President Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday sought to shift Europe's strategic focus towards the Middle East, north Africa and the Balkans, hosting 42 heads of state and government at a summit in Paris to launch a new Mediterranean Union. Initially concentrated on infrastructure and energy projects such as making north Africa a hub for solar power, Sarkozy's grand initiative is acutely political, claiming a pole position for France in European foreign policy-making after years of drift and seeking to redirect policy from the east of Europe to the south. A fortnight into his six-month EU presidency, Sarkozy hosted an unprecedented gathering of leaders from Europe and all sides of the Mediterranean amid the splendour of Paris's Grand Palais. He delivered a message of peace to a suspicious audience of leaders more noted for their backstabbing rivalries and conflicts. "The goal of the summit is to learn how to love each other in the Mediterranean, instead of continuing to hate and wage war," said Sarkozy. "We will build peace in the Mediterranean together." Comment One focus of the summit was on making peace between Israel and its neighbours. What is remarkable here is Europe’s switch in focus – from eastern European countries to those in the south around the Mediterranean. Mr Sarkozy said "We will build peace in the Mediterranean together, like yesterday we built peace in Europe. The world is watching." In Ezekiel 38 we read of Gomer being one of the nations that invade Israel with Russia. The Gomerites were a people based in Central and Western Europe otherwise known as the Celts or Gauls. Gaul is modern France! Here we have France (Gomer) under the leadership of President Sarkozy suddenly gathering many nations together to discuss peace with Israel. It will lead to war. Bible Quote Ezekiel 38 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bandsThese nations attack Israel with Russia

  21. Headline Germany's success as Mid-East broker Headline BBConline July 16 2008 Event Germany has once again drawn on its successful diplomacy and secret network of contacts in the Middle East, to help broker a prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hezbollah. Gerhard Conrad, who holds a senior post in Germany's foreign intelligence agency, BND, has been overseeing the deal, officially on behalf of the UN. The country's secret service agents - reportedly including Mr Conrad - have played a key role in the two major prisoner exchange deals in 1996 and 2004. In the Middle East, personal relations are key to negotiations, and the BND has long-standing contacts with key players, among them Israeli Mossad agents as well as Iranian secret service agents. Germans enjoy a reputation in the region as an "honest broker". Comment We saw on the first slide how France is pushing for more Middle East involvement and commented that in fact the talk of peace will lead to war. Here we have Germany (behind the scenes) bringing about so called “successful diplomacy” and helping to broker the prisoner swap mentioned on the previous slide. The “successful diplomacy” has left Israel in grief and anger and has strengthened the resolve of Israel enemies. Israel should not be trusting the “honest broker” of Germany. Germany we know is part of the beast system spoken of in Revelation 17. It is this beast system (Europe) that fundamentally is against God’s people – natural or spiritual. Ultimately when Christ return it is this very system that will make war against Christ and his saints. Bible Quote Lamentations 1 2 She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. Israel IS being dealt with treacherously Germany's success as Mid-East broker

  22. the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty? Brown fails to get EU sanctions against Russia Daily Telegraph, September 2, 2008 Gordon Brown failed in his mission to secure tough action against Russia after France and Germany persuaded other European Union leaders to give Moscow a second chance. A crisis European Union summit in Brussels shied away from sanctions to punish Russia and set a new seven-day deadline to withdraw troops to pre-conflict positions in Georgia. With France the current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, President Nicolas Sarkozy will travel to Moscow on Sept 8 and then to Tbilisi amid "signals" that Russia will pull back its military. President Sarkozy and Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, have rallied the EU behind new Russian promises to implement six-point cease-fire in Georgia, negotiated by the France on Aug 12. EVENT COMMENT We reported last week that the UK was leading the way in calls for Russian sanctions. At the emergency summit in Europe this week, Gordon Brown, the UK prime minister, was the main voice there that wanted real sanctions. He failed in this. Mainly due to French and German opposition. They preferred to keep the situation calm. After all they depend on Russian gas. Russia even praised Europe after the meeting! In the end Europe's leaders agreed to postpone "partnership and co-operation" talks with Russia but only after lobbying by Gordon Brown. This event shows clearly how Tarshish WILL be one of the voices that opposes the Russian invasion of the Middle East when it happens. It is interesting that Gordon Brown is now seen as one of the weakest political leaders the UK has ever seen. He is seen as someone who cannot make decisions and dithers. IF he is still in power when Russia invades he MAY be the one who voices his concern but does nothing about it. BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:13 NKJV)

  23. Gomer, and all his bands…. (Gomer possibly refers to much of Europe including France, Italy etc) the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions… Britain leads fight to stop EU-Russia talks David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, warned his Italian, German and French colleagues, over Russian trade talks Daily Telegraph, October 16, 2008 Britain, in alliance with Poland, Sweden and the Baltic States, has narrowly prevented the European Union from reopening trade and aid talks with Moscow, frozen because of Russia's occupation of Georgia. EU "partnership and co-operation" negotiations were halted last month following the Russian invasion of Georgia in August and Moscow's occupation of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. After Russia pulled back some troops last week, Italy and Germany have pressed for the resumption of "business as usual" on building trade, energy and political ties with Moscow. Britain, already at odds with Russia over the 2006 murder of the ex-KGB defector Alexander Litvinenko, is taking a hawkish line towards Moscow along with former Soviet countries. EVENT Britain is not as dependent on Russian oil and gas as other European nations are. Therefore the UK can afford to take a far tougher line with Russia than say Germany. Heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas, Germany has been traditionally reluctant to risk offending the Kremlin even though Miss Merkel has been slightly more willing to tackle Moscow than her Social Democrat predecessor Gerhard Schroeder. On Wednesday the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, even went as far as calling for Russia to be given EU membership! With Bible in hand we can see how these events fit Bible prophecy very accurately. Ezekiel 38 speaks of Russia (Gog) and Europe (Gomer) on the one side (fighting against Israel) with Britain (Tarshish) and America (young lion) on the other. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:6 & 13)

  24. The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. Russia calls for Europe to join anti-US pact Daily Telegraph, October 10, 2008 The Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, has called on European leaders to create a new world order that minimises the role of the US. Confident that a spat with Europe prompted by Russia's invasion of Georgia in August was over, Mr Medvedev arrived in the French spa town of Evian determined to woo his fellow leaders into creating an anti-US front. Gone was the kind of war time rhetoric that saw Mr Medvedev lash out at the West and characterise his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Saakashvili as a "lunatic". Instead Mr Medvedev spoke of a Russia that was "absolutely not interested in confrontation". Yet there was little doubt that Mr Medvedev was playing the divide-and-rule tactics of his predecessor Vladimir Putin by seeking to pit the United States against its European allies. EVENT We can surely see God’s hand behind this financial crisis. The angels are very busy bringing about the situation required for the final judgement of mankind. The fallout from this crisis is yet to be fully felt. The ripples of the collapse of capitalist principles are spreading out and beginning to enter the political arena. Russia is now trying to use this turmoil to create “a new world order”!! It sees America’s position as being drastically weakened. Suddenly, almost overnight America’s standing in the world has declined and Russia wants to “capitalise” on this. There is growing concern that Russia could actually destabilise the whole financial system. It is one of only 3 countries (Saudi Arabia and China), that sit on a massive amount of cash that could actually influence the system. So far the cash has been seen in order to stabilize and secure Russia domestically. In fact Russia is holding talks with China later this month to discuss reducing their dollar holdings! The crisis will get worse COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 7:12)

  25. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them Sarkozy under attack after EU president proposal Daily Telegraph, October 25, 2008 Nicolas Sarkozy has been accused of making a power grab to install himself as president of the European Union, a post that no longer exists after the Irish rejected the Lisbon Treaty in June. The French president, who holds the EU's rotating six month presidency until the end of December, has dominated the international stage following the Russian invasion of Georgia in August and the global financial crisis in recent weeks. But he has dismayed Brussels diplomats and angered the Czech Republic, which takes over the EU presidency in January, by suggesting that countries belonging to the euro, with an invitation extended to Britain, should form an emergency "economic government" with President Sarkozy at its head. One Brussels diplomat, from a small EU member state, said: "Mr Sarkozy is trying to become, by the back door, President of the EU. It also seems he wants to be President of France at the same time." EVENT The financial crisis continues to create political waves. We expect Europe as the symbolic beast of Revelation 17 to come together to make war against Christ and his saints. We do not expect Britain to be part of that system or at least take part with the beast. The French president is calling for a presidential head of Europe for those countries in the “Euro zone”. I.e. those countries that use the Euro as their currency. Britain is NOT one of those countries. We see how Britain could be excluded. We also expect Russia (Gog / Magog) and Europe (Gomer) to unite in a war against Israel. This week Nicolas Sarkozy unveiled a new cooperation strategy with Russia that would build stronger economic links between Russia and Europe. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Revelation 17:13-14)

  26. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings.. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb. EU asks US for greater role on world stage EUobserver, November 4, 2008 The EU has in a letter to the next US president appealed for a greater European role on the world stage, more engagement with a resurgent Russia and more emphasis on peacemaking in Afghanistan and the Middle East. The six-page text was agreed at an informal EU foreign ministers meeting in Marseilles on Monday (3 November) and will remain under wraps until after the US election on Tuesday. But its contents were outlined by French EU presidency officials on the margins of the Mediterranean Union gathering in the southern French city, Le Figaro reports. Based around four priorities, the text calls for a better interplay between security and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. It says the US and EU should take note of Russia's economic revival and intensify diplomatic contacts to avoid the risk of confrontation. The EU as Russia's permanent neighbour should have a major role in future negotiations. The letter urges the new US administration to put the Middle East peace process at the top of its agenda and foresees a "useful role" for the EU as co-guarantors of a future Israeli-Palestinian accord. EVENT COMMENT The Bible has a lot to say about Europe. The iron legs of the image Nebuchadnezzar saw were that of the Roman Empire. The iron of Rome though continues to the very time Christ (the little stone) returns. The Empire of Rome has come and gone throughout the ages. Revelation tracks the Roman Empire and its various stages. The last stage is described in Revelation 17. There is a beast that comes out of the bottomless pit. This beast is the European Union that makes war against Christ when he returns. Note that the EU is looking for a greater role on the world stage! BIBLE QUOTE (Revelation 17:8, 12-13)

  27. And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. Sweden ratifies EU Lisbon Treaty BBConline, November 21, 2008 Sweden has become the 24th of the EU's 27 member states to ratify the controversial Lisbon Treaty. Sweden's parliament backed the reform treaty after a late-night debate, with 243 votes in favour, 39 against and 67 deputies absent or abstaining. The treaty, aimed at reshaping EU institutions to fit an enlarged bloc of 27, has to be ratified by each member state to take effect. But Irish voters rejected it and Czech and Polish ratification is stalled. The Republic of Ireland's "No" vote in a referendum in June threw the whole ratification process into disarray. Governments in countries that have ratified the treaty insist it cannot be changed, so treaty supporters are considering whether some guarantees can be offered to placate Irish voters. The Irish government is expected to present a plan for breaking the impasse at a summit of EU leaders next month. There is speculation that another referendum may be held in Ireland. The treaty was originally meant to be in place in January 2009 - well ahead of the European Parliament elections in June 2009. EVENT Let us not forget one thing. The Lord Jesus Christ returns when there is a divided kingdom in the area of Europe. In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream there was an image representing the different empires that would follow ancient Babylon. There was a 4th empire, that of Rome, represented by the iron legs. But there was NOT a 5th empire. There was no 5th metal to the image. The iron continued to the feet but was mixed with clay. This mixture represented a “divided” kingdom. Clay represent MAN and possibly “people power” ie democracy. The iron represents the empire of Rome. Democracy (clay) is stopping the Iron empire uniting. The people voted against Europe uniting. It remains divided. Revelation 17:12 also says they do NOT receive a kingdom as yet… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 2:41)

  28. and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships Russian gas supplies to EU could be cut Daily Telegraph, December 4, 2008 The Russian prime minister accused Kiev of "losing its mind" as a standoff over energy prices and alleged debt arrears has escalated in recent weeks. The dispute is unnerving the European Union, as a strikingly similar row in January 2006 disrupted gas supplies across much of the continent. Crippled by the financial crisis, Ukraine is struggling to pay off hundreds of millions of pounds in debt for Russian gas it bought earlier in the year. At the same time, Ukraine – which carries 80 per cent of Russian gas bound for Europe through its pipelines – is desperately trying to resist attempts by Moscow to raise prices for 2009 deliveries. But Ukraine's pro-western government, which has already been forced to seek an emergency £11.3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, has found that Russia is in no mood to compromise. Mr Putin, who was speaking during a televised phone-in with the Russian people, was equally unwilling to yield. He portrayed a Ukrainian plea to freeze prices at 2008 levels as unreasonable. "They ask us to leave the same prices" he said. "How long can we leave in place the prices of the current year?“ Switching into Ukrainian Mr Putin added: "Have you lost your mind EVENT The European Union depends on Russia for over a quarter of its gas. The fear is that Ukraine could respond to a freeze in its supplies by siphoning energy meant for European consumers. This is one reason why Europe is still talking to Russia despite the recent war in Georgia. Also this week a Russian warship has entered the Panama Canal for the first time since World War II. It will dock at Rodman, once the base for all US naval activities in South America. This is all designed to aggravate America. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40)

  29. And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, Europe shivers as Russia shuts gas tap Daily Telegraph, January 2, 2008 State-run Gazprom shut down pipelines after talks with Naftogaz broke down without the two sides reaching a supply deal for 2009. The move raised fears Ukraine would start siphoning off gas bound for Europe as it did during a similar crisis in 2006. Eighty per cent of the gas that Europe buys from Russia arrives through pipelines that cross Ukrainian territory. A Gazprom spokesman said: “We have cut off all gas that is meant for Ukraine. All our other contractual obligations are being fulfilled.” The European Union and the US today urged Russia and Ukraine to restart negotiations, and to honour all supply commitments. Britain is Gazprom’s third largest customer in the EU with Russian gas comprising about 16 per cent of the country’s annual consumption. Germany and Italy are Gazprom’s largest customers in the EU, taking in over 34 billion cubic meters and 22 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually. EVENT Once more Russia is using energy as a weapon. The Ukraine was part of the USSR but gained independence in 1991. It has recently sort to join NATO. It is Europe’s second largest nation. It depends on Russia for its gas supplies and forms an important part of the pipeline transit route for Russian gas exports to Europe. With a pro Western government in the Ukraine, Russia is seeking to exert enormous pressure by literally switching of energy supplies. This is not a commercial decision it is entirely political. Yesterday Russia accused the Ukraine of stealing gas destined for Europe. Shortfalls in gas supply were already being registered in the Balkans. As we enter 2009 Russia continues to be “turned back” to her authoritarian ways. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:4)

  30. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Review of 2008 Weekly World Watch, December 30, 2008 COMMENT 2008 has been a remarkable year. It began with a visit by George Bush to Israel. It was his first and only visit to Israel as President of the United States. He came with a message of peace. “We see new opportunities for peace in the Holy Land and the region,” he said on January 9th 2008. Just a month before he had convened 40 nations in Annapolis to discuss peace between Israel and the Palestinians. They discussed the dividing of God’s land, his people and his Holy city – Jerusalem. It was not until November 6th 2008 that Condoleezza Rice after her 22nd visit to the region declared that Middle East peace would NOT be achieved by the end of the year. And so we end 2008, not with the peace promised by President Bush, but with WAR. Iran remains extremely hostile to Israel and intent on acquiring nuclear weapons. We have seen Russia fight a short but very brutal war with Georgia. We have also seen Russia become increasingly aggressive and few would doubt we live in a new Cold War situation. When Barack Obama was elected in November Russia welcomed him with the deployment of nuclear missiles on NATO’s border for the first time since the Cold War! It was “a glacial welcome to the world stage”, the Telegraph reported. Perhaps one of the biggest news stories has been the financial crisis - the credit crunch. No nation is unaffected by this. We see the perplexity of the governments of the world. We can see how the riches of man are built on sand. I have produced a 50 minute powerpoint presentation on these things as a review of 2008. It needs to be downloaded. Full instructions of how to download are in the email sent with this weeks WWW. Let us pray 2009 will see the return of our dear Lord Jesus and our salvation. BIBLE QUOTE (Luke 21:28)

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