French President Nicholas Sarkozy has hailed tomorrow's Paris summit as the "best news for peace in the Middle East". Forty-one of the forty-four heads of state invited to the summit have agreed to attend. The list of participants include Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Palestinian Authority, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Kingdom. French President Nicholas Sarkozy and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will co-host the event. But it is the presence Syrian President Bashar Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that is expected to steal the show. Both countries have been involved in indirect peace negotiations since May, and have signalled their readiness to move to direct talks. 

There was a mixed reaction to the proposal for a Union for the Mediterranean (UPM) when it was first announced following Sarkozy's election in October 2007. Northern European states originally feared that the new project could become a competitor to the European Union, and objected to EU money being used to fund an initiative they had no part in. Arab states were concerned that the UPM would be dominated by wealthier European states, and objected to Israel's inclusion in the group. But the plan was adopted by the European Union on the 13th of March, and on the 13th of July the new Union for the Mediterranean will be formed...

Quote: "The union was the brainchild of his special advisor and speech-writer Henri Guaino. In Toulon in February 2007, Sarkozy said he wanted "to be the president of a France that will set the Mediterranean on the path of its reunification, after 12 centuries of division..." He wanted "to achieve a new Renaissance... undertake with this project a policy of civilisation as envisioned by the philosophers of the Enlightenment." In Tangiers last October, Sarkozy said: "Within every man and woman who lives on the shores of the Mediterranean sleeps the memory, nostalgia, for the unity lost 15 centuries ago." Not since the Italian dictator Mussolini revived the ancient Roman concept of Mare Nostrum ("our sea" in Latin) has a politician held such high ambitions for the Mediterranean.

Revelation 13:1
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

And as you can see from these two maps, despite the watering-down of Sarkozy's original proposal, the above quotation is an apt description of what is happening here. For it seems that the European Union and the Union for the Mediterranean are fulfilments of Biblical prophecy. The old Roman Empire is being revived, just as the Bible predicted. Throughout the centuries Christians have proclaimed the rebirth of the nation of Israel and the revival of the old Roman Empire. These Christians staggered not at the promises of God, though there was little evidence of these things coming to pass during their lifetimes. We have been privileged to witness the rebirth of the nation of Israel and the revival of the old Roman Empire. There is no excuse. The fact that there is a nation called Israel in the world is plain for all to see. And just in case you are not sure if the EU is the revival of the old Roman Empire, we have the frequent allusions to it by European leaders, the references to it in EU paraphernalia, the design of the EU parliament building, the motif on our coins, and the geographical area of the EU and UPM are roughly the same. The EU is the revived Roman Empire, no question about it.  The Bible predicted over 2000 years ago that these things would happen. And today they are coming to pass before our very eyes. If the Bible was right about these things, what other things does the Bible say that we should know about? Jesus Christ is coming back soon (John 14:3). First, to take all those who have trusted in Him for salvation to be with Him where He is (John 14:3). And again, to judge this world for its wickedness (2nd Thessalonians 1:7-8). We need to be ready for His coming. How we can be ready? The Bible says our sins have separated between us and God (Isaiah 59:2). And if we die in our sins, where God is we cannot go (John 8:21). We need to have our sins forgiven. How can we have our sins forgiven? God sent His only Son Jesus Christ into this world 2000 years ago. He took God's punishment for your sins when He died upon the cross (Isaiah 53:6). All who believe on Him for salvation can have their sins forgiven and have eternal life in heaven (John 3:16). Turn away from your sins. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source Irish Times, Bloomberg, Wikipedia

Apologies for not updating the website last week. I was taking a needed break from the computer, as my eyes are still a little strained and I don't want to overdo things.

There is only a week to go before the launch of the Mediterranean Union project, and the French government are expecting a full turnout of Middle East leaders for the event. A few Islamic countries are still undecided at whether to send high-level figures to the Paris summit, but most nations have signalled a willingness to attend. Libyan General Muammar Gaddafi has already stated he does not intend to take part in the gathering, objecting to Israel's participation in the group. But it seems that Libya will send a delegation to the Paris summit. The Turkish government is also undecided over whether to send a high-level group to the event, but this is more to do with Turkey's bid to become a member of the European Union. Syrian President Bashar Assad is expected to attend the summit and will hold discussions with French President Nicholas Sarkozy over the situation in Lebanon. He may also meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres on the sidelines of the conference, to discuss the ongoing negotiations over the Golan Heights. It is hoped that the establishment of the Mediterranean Union, or the UPM as it is being called, will create dozens of institutions across the region in the areas of scientific and higher education cooperation, transportation, migration, agriculture and infrastructure.

Quote: "On July 13, French President Nicolas Sarkozy will host the heads of the governments and states of 43 countries, including the EU's 27 countries and the Mediterranean nations, except for Libya, which will send a lower-ranked figure to show its uneasiness over Israel's participation. Through the summit, the French presidency of the EU will launch its controversial project known as the 'Union for the Mediterranean'. During the summit, leaders will have a chance to deliver short speeches on how they see the initiative, the goals, vision and prospects of which will be detailed in a joint statement to be published at the end of summit. EU diplomats in Brussels are still discussing the content of the communiqué, which is where Turkish diplomacy comes in.

Libya's reluctance to participate in the UPM is no surprise, for the Bible states that Libya will be one of the nations that will come against Israel in the latter days (Ezekiel 38:5). This verse also mentions Iran and Sudan, all of them staunch Islamic states, characterized by a hatred for Israel. But clearly July 13th will be a very significant day. One person emailed me recently asking whether this Mediterranean Union could be the final world empire that the man of sin will control. The book of Revelation seems to indicate that there would be seven world empires in history that would rule over the Jewish people.

Revelation 17:10-11
And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

Five of these empires have fallen. They are thought to be Egypt (Genesis 15:13), Assyria (2nd Kings 17:6), Babylon (Daniel 2:38), Medo-Persia (Daniel 8:20) and Greece (Daniel 10:20). And in John's day, Israel was held captive by Rome (Luke 2:1). It seems that we are now living, or possibly more correctly, will be living in the days of the seventh kingdom, the Revived Roman Empire. I say 'will be', because Israel is not presently under the control of the European Union. Things are leading that way, but we are not there yet. There are leaders in Israel who are interested in joining the EU. And just recently the EU upgraded its relations with the Jewish state. I think the more Israel becomes entangled in the web of the EU, the closer we are to Europe actually 'occupying' the state of Israel. And with the creation of this proposed Mediterranean Union, Israel is set to become a partner with the EU. That brings us to another prophecy in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 13:1
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

When the 'sea' is mentioned in Scripture, it generally refers to the Mediterranean Sea. And at the time of John's vision of the Apocalypse, he was on the island of Patmos, which is located off the southern coast of Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. Could it be that this UPM will be the beast that rises up out of the 'sea'? Could this be the eighth kingdom, which is also of the seventh (Rome)? I don't know. But I think it is extremely interesting that this Mediterranean Union is being proposed now, especially in light of current efforts being made in regards to Syria and the Palestinians. Sooner or later an agreement will be reached. And for those of us who know Bible prophecy, we know what that will mean. Jesus Christ is coming back. Now is not the time for procrastination. As the angel warned the Apostle John, "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand", Revelation 22:10. This is why we take the time to warn you of what is coming to pass. This is an urgent matter. We are not promised tomorrow. The Scriptures say, "Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts", Hebrews 4:7. If God is speaking to you about your need of salvation, do not harden your heart. You may not have another opportunity to hear the Gospel. God loves you so much, He send His only Son into the world to die on a cross, so that you could be forgiven of your sins. Turn away from your sins and believe on Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Source Reuters, China View, Turkish Daily News, China View, Mathaba

Quote: "France and Germany have described the "No" vote as a serious blow but urged the EU to press ahead with the project. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said ratifications must carry on so that the Irish vote did not "become a crisis".

Ireland was the only country that promised to hold a public referendum on the EU Constitution, for Irish law stipulates that any changes to its constitution must be approved by its citizens. The British government promised to hold a public referendum on the EU Constitution, after facing stiff opposition over the matter. But this referendum was never going to be legally binding, and the government could have gone against the will of the British public in the interests of the 'greater good' of Europe. But the government later reneged on its promises following the redrafting of the original treaty. Following its rejection by France and the Netherlands in 2005, the document was redrafted in two sections, an Amending Treaty and a Charter of Fundamental Rights. The government claimed that the reason why Britain did not need to hold a referendum on the issue was because British law would not be affected since we are not signing up to the Charter at this point in time. British law might not be affected, but British foreign policy most certainly will be, following the ratification of this document. The Lisbon Treaty gives the European Union its own legal identity on the world stage. It will establish the permanent posts of EU President and Foreign Minister. European foreign policy will essentially become British foreign policy. Already many British embassies around the world are merging with embassies of other European nations. And the treaty will permit the European Union to take the seats of Britain and France on the UN Security Council if and when a consensus is agreed between these nations. Apart from a few aesthetic differences, namely the European flag and the national anthem, the Lisbon Treaty is essentially unchanged from the original EU Constitution. Even constitution author Giscard d'Estaing claimed that everything that was in the original document was present in the new treaty. In January a British parliamentary committee stated that there are no substantial differences between the EU Constitution and the Lisbon Treaty, and that the ratification of this document would actually be harmful to Britain's position in Europe. They begged the government to come clean about this fact, but the British government is still pressing ahead.

It's hard to know exactly what will happen over the next few months in regards to the ratification of this treaty. But we do know where all of this is all leading. For we know that this final world empire is destined to grow to engulf the whole world (Daniel 7:23, Revelation 13:3). And this final world empire will be headed by a man. Dr. Paul-Henri Spaak, the former Prime Minister of Belgium, was also a former Secretary General of NATO and the first president of the United Nations General Assembly. He was instrumental in bringing about the establishment of the European Common Market, the forerunner of the European Union. He said in 1957, "We do not want another committee, we have too many already. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all people, and to lift us out of the economic morass into which we are sinking. Send us such a man, and be he God or devil, we will receive him". This man that will head the final world empire will be a 'devil'. The Bible says of the Antichrist that "the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority", Revelation 13:2. God has already sent His Man and they rejected Him. Jesus Christ said, "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive", John 5:43. Just as Henri Spaak predicted, another man will come who will appear to offer mankind all the solutions to their problems, and they will receive him. But the Man who was despised and rejected of men (Isaiah 53:3) will be glorified in a coming day...

Psalm 2
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.    

Do you know the Son of God? His name is Jesus Christ. Have you put your trust in Him for salvation? He died for you that your sins might be forgiven (Isaiah 53:11). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source BBC

Leaders of the Arab League gathered in Tripoli today to discuss French President Nicholas Sarkozy's proposal for the establishment of a Mediterranean Union. The formal announcement declaring the formation of a Mediterranean Union is scheduled for next Monday, but several Arab states have expressed concern about the idea. Some states fear that the new bloc will be dominated by the more wealthy European nations, while others dislike the term 'union', fearing that this will imply a normalization of relations with certain undesirables amongst them. But the main problem seems to be the inclusion of Israel in the bloc. Arab leaders fear that Israel's membership of the Mediterranean Union will mean they will be forced to normalize their relations with the Jewish state. According to the Arab League Initiative, Israel must hand back all territory captured during the Arab-initiated Six Day War and absorb an influx of millions of Arabs, in return for peace and a normalization of relations with neighbouring states. The European Union officially endorses the Arab League Initiative, but Israel has repeatedly rejected the plan, fearing it would result in the demographic annihilation of the Jewish state. Even if Israel was to accept the Initiative, there is no guarantee that Israel's relations would improve with their neighbours, who have only shown a hostile intent towards the Jewish state. Today's summit was organized by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who has repeatedly refused to recognize Israel's existence, never mind it's right to exist.

Quote: ""They will forge a common stand on participation," an Arab diplomat said. "The only worry is the idea that Israel might join without needing to make any tangible concessions in peace talks with the Palestinians and Syrians." The union was originally proposed by France as a way of boosting ties with the European Union's southern neighbors and improving trade and security cooperation. "The most serious aspect (in the proposed union) is that it establishes a union with Israel before we Arabs unite," Libyan official Ahmed Qaddaf al-Dam told the London-based daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat."

Meanwhile, the Arab League is pressing for assurances from the European Union and the United States that a Palestinian state will indeed be established before the end of this year, as promised at the Annapolis peace conference last year. Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa made the comments during a two day state visit to Slovenia, which currently holds the presidency of the EU.

Quote: ""I trust there will be a serious discussion about the prospects of peace in the Middle East, and on whether it will be possible as promised to have a Palestinian state by the end of the year," Mussa told a joint news conference with Slovenian foreign minister Dimitrij Rupel. Mussa arrived Sunday on a two-day visit to Slovenia, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency. US President George W. Bush is scheduled to meet European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso in Ljubljana on Tuesday. "We hope... there will be a viable real state by the end of the year. This is a question that should be addressed to him (president Bush), an appeal that should be expressed," Mussa said.

As we can see from today's news, it seems that the expected announcement of the establishment of a Mediterranean Union may act as a catalyst to speed progress in the Middle East peace process. The Arab League will not be willing to partake in any project that legitimises Israel's right to exist, but the European Union will not want to see the project fail either. They are seeking to counteract Iran's influence in the region, which has so far brought Lebanon to the brink of civil war, carnage to Iraq, missiles to southern Israel and spurred a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. The EU will either have to water down the project, or else force through a Middle East peace agreement by the end of this year, in accordance with Arab demands.

It's interesting that this Mediterranean Union should come into being now, just a few months before the latest deadline expires for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Daniel 9:27 states that the Antichrist will strengthen a covenant between many nations in the Middle East for a period of seven years. Now the Bible doesn't explicitly state what this covenant will entail, but it seems that it will guarantee Israel peace and security and enable the Jewish people to rebuild their Temple (Daniel 9:27, 2nd Thessalonians 2:4). Some have speculated this seven year covenant between the Antichrist, Israel and the Arab nations may already exist in the form of Javier Solana's European Neighbourhood Policy. This Mediterranean Union will effectively be an extension of that policy. That may be part of the puzzle. But I believe that the seven year period mentioned in Daniel will follow the Jewish calendar. The next seven year period begins on October 1st, 2008. The Bible doesn't specifically say that a Palestinian state will be created, but Judea and east Jerusalem will be handed over to the Gentiles following the breaking of the Antichrist's covenant (Zechariah 11:2, Revelation 12:2). If 2008 sees the beginning of Daniel's seventieth week, we should be expecting some sort of agreement between Israel and the Palestinians to be signed before October 1st. Whether or not this happens may depend on the Arab response to the Mediterranean Union project. Whether 2008 sees the beginning of the Daniel's seventieth week or not, we are assuredly heading towards the fulfilment of this prophecy.

The Lord said that conditions that would characterize His Second Coming would be similar to those that characterized the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30). In both these cases God's judgement fell in one day, and came as a complete surprise to the unbelieving world. But His judgement did not fall without prior warning. In the days of Noah, God gave men 120 years to repent (Genesis 6:3). The Bible describes Noah as a "preacher of righteousness" (2nd Peter 2:5), who's preaching condemned the world because of their unwillingness to believe God. The world's response to God's message was to tell Him to depart from them (Job 22:15-17). Only Noah and his family believed God. They entered the ark seven days before the rain came (Genesis 7:4), and they were lifted high when God's judgement fell. Abraham petitioned the Lord to spare the city Sodom for the sake of the righteous in it, but as in Noah's day, none were found to be righteous. The Bible describes Lot as a man who "vexed his righteous soul" from day to day with all the abominations of Sodom (2nd Peter 2:8). Lot warned his family of the impending judgment, but they did not take the warning seriously (Genesis 19:14). Only Lot and his family believed the message, and were warned by the angels to seek higher ground to escape God's judgment (Genesis 19:17). Today we warn you of God's impending judgement on this world. God's ark of salvation is found in the Person of Jesus Christ. He bore God's punishment for your sins upon the cross, and all who believe on Him for salvation shall not perish but will have everlasting life (John 3:16). Do not be like those in Noah's day, who told God to depart from them. Do not be like those in Lot's day, who disbelieved the warning. Escape to Calvary's mountain! Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Genesis 19:17
And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Source Haaretz, EU Business