EU summons Arab ministers to talk on Saudi planPDFPrintE-mail
Israel
Written by Chris Perver  
Friday, 04 May 2007 17:00
The European Union has invited the leaders of several Arab states to Brussels on May 14th, to discuss the possible implementation of the Saudi peace initiative with their European counterparts. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier made the invitation as both Israel and the Palestinian Authority rejected the US' 8 month peace plan. Palestinian leader Khaled Mashaal ridiculed the plan, saying Hamas would not stop firing rockets in return for just a greater freedom of movement. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel could not implement all the measure listed in the plan, with fears of Hamas gaining a foothold in Samaria. With both Olmert and Abbas at their weakest, it seems that the EU is being called upon to stabilize the situation.

Quote: "Brussels, 4 May (AKI) - Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Qatar - the main proponents of an Arab plan for peace with Israel - have been invited by the EU to meet their counterparts from the bloc's member states to discuss the initiative, a EU spokeswoman has told Adnkronos International (AKI). Cristina Gallach a spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, told AKI the meeting would take place in Brussels on 14-15 May. Arab League secretary general, Amr Moussa, would also probably participate she said. The proposal for the meeting was made by Frank-Walter Steinmeier the foreign minister of Germany which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, during talks on the sidelines of a summit in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt on reconstruction and stability in Iraq.

The Bible states that the Antichrist will strengthen a covenant with many for seven years (Daniel 9:27). Some believe that this covenant already exists, and is the seven year European Neighbourhood Policy. It is possible it could be that, but I wouldn't be dogmatic for only God can see the end from the beginning. It is also possible that the EU will strengthen a covenant already agreed by many, and that covenant could be the Saudi Initiative which has been agreed by most moderate Arab states. I'm keeping my eyes open for whatever takes place.

In other news, the European Union is co-ordinating with the Palestinian Authority, and is paying part of the salaries of Palestinian workers through the Temporary International Mechanism. EU leaders hope that this will ease pressure on the Palestinian unity government, which Prime Minister Haniyeh claims could collapse unless the economic embargo is lifted soon...

Quote: "Starting this week, the EU-led Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) is paying "allowances" to all eligible Palestinian government workers and pensioners - approximately $370 each - to coincide with separate payments by Fayyad.

Desperate! All Haniyeh had to do was abide by the Quartet's principles and the economic embargo would have been lifted long ago. And he blames the West for the situation the PA finds itself in? He and Abbas knew what was required. Israeli and Palestinian peace activists have also called on the European Union to do more to shore up the peace process in the Middle East, claiming that the conditions are right for the EU to bring both parties to the negotiating table... 

Quote: "In joint recommendations adopted after a two-day conference, members of the Israeli left and moderate, secular Palestinian nationalists said their own leaders were too weak and urged the EU to act as a "catalyser" to bring the parties to the table. Participants included presidential hopeful Colette Avital (Labor) party junior partner in government, and Bernard Sabella, a member of the Palestine Legislative Council, as well as ex-diplomats, human rights campaigners and academics. "The conditions are right for Europe to bring the parties to the negotiation table for a successful completion of talks for a two-state solution," they said.

So it seems Europe is once again coming to the fore in the Middle East peace process. With this news, and news of the Sanhedrin calling for the rebuilding of the Temple, it is quite clear that we are indeed living in the last days, and that Christ's return must be at hand. Are you ready to meet God? 

Source ADNKI, Haaretz, Haaretz

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