My tiny Contribution to what the “Arab Spring” might be about.
by xxxxxxxxxAP
North African Union or Mediterranean Union- Subsidairy of the EU-
Globalist Persuit-Arc of Crescent-Brzezenski
23.8.2011.
As part of a European Union of 27 nation States, I would have thought there might have been great excitement about the creation of a Union for the Mediterranean Countries, but no, not a whisper in spite of the fact that various titles have been given to the project, matters have not been easy to find out anything about, and then, Wow! Suddenly, we are treated to Arab Spring-what on earth is THAT? Nothing from our Government though. Quite a number of titles for a start. Apparently, and I have gone to Wikipedia for this, the “Union is a multilateral partnership that encompasses 43 countries from Europe and the Mediterranean Basin: the 27 member states of the European Union and 16 Mediterranean partner countries from North Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans. It was created in July 2008 as a relaunched Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (the Barcelona Process) in 2008, when a plan to create an autonomous Mediterranean Union was dropped”.
However, recently there has been the title, “The Arab Spring” in various Newspapers, just a wee mention here and there, so I will go along with that one for now, unless, as Mr Micawber might have said-“until some-thing else turns up.” So, the first programme on this matter as you can see is known as the Arab Spring, “SPRING”, (“Support for Partnership, Reform, and Inclusive Growth.”) Although there are further titles to this project-it seems to depend on which article you happen to catch hold of.
I think I should set the scene as stated in a speech by made in Cairo 14th July 2011, in which he made clear, and just so you know, that the “European Union has no wish to interfere in Egypt’s internal decisions.”
“We recognise there are many risks still to be faced. We recognise that the revolution is not finished. The expectations are high and the potential for frustration is considerable. Deep change takes time. The road to democracy is not a peaceful stream of water but rather an unpredictable river very much like the Nile used to be before the Aswan Dam. But we fundamentally affirm the spirit that has ignited the revolution thus far. And throughout we remain acutely aware that democracy must come from within. While external assistance may help the flowers of democracy bloom, it is only you who have planted the seeds that can ensure democracy takes root.”
“Our financial commitments will rise to €7 billion in the coming three years for our neighbourhood, with another €6 billion in loans available. Much of this will come from the European Investment Bank, whose President Philippe Maystadt is joining me on this trip. The bank is the biggest development lender in North Africa. Already there are nine Egyptian projects in the pipeline for the coming 12 month, worth well over €1 billion”.
“This sits within the overall package of €20bn agreed at the G8 in May. Egypt is in a good position to access these amounts, as it is a leading country in the path to democracy”. A little intervention here because when the EU pays out money to some-one some-where some of that money comes from YOUR pocket too. Money that could have been spent on the Defence of our Country, or provided jobs for some-one, and our Government-yet as I write this- not one MP has breathed one word about this project to any of us here in the UK.
I will end this section with President Barroso, “As the turmoil continues, the European Union flag flies proudly in Freedom Square, Benghazi. This flag and the office beneath it is a tangible and symbolic sign that the European Union is ready to support the people of this region.” Aw! Ain’t that nice!
It is noted that the Barcelona Process (a.k.a.. the Euro-Med Process) was launched during the 1995 Spanish Presidency between the EU and its Mediterranean Partners-Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey (Libya has observer status since 1999)- with the aim of building “a space of dialogue, peace, security and shared prosperity”. It was President Sarkozy’s idea of a “Union of the Mediterranean” and what became “The UMed Process was eventually launched in November 2008. Now, a couple of years later the second Umed Summit which was due to take place 21 November 2010 was postponed because of the lack of progress on a resumption of Direct talks in the Middle East Peace process, no new date set.
The European Neighbourhood Policy was first proposed by the Commission in 2003-2004 as a framework policy through which an enlarged EU could strengthen and deepen relations with its 16 closest neighbours. (Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine) with a view to counteracting risks of marginalisation for the neighbouring countries which had not participated in the historic 2004 enlargement and therefore ensuring the strengthening of a shared area of prosperity, stability and security. (From Commission Communication: A new response to a changing Neighbourhood . Foreign and Commonwealth Office 20, June 2011 European Council).
But what has our Government got to say about this New Treaty/Agreement we are all being involved in and upon which we have not had a referendum? Haven’t our MP’s had any knowledge of this great extension which includes all these Countries? Well let us see. “The European Union concluded seven Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements between 1998 and 2005 with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Lebanon, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Republic of Tunisia and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. These agreements provide a suitable framework for North-South political dialogue. They also serve as a basis for the gradual liberalisation of trade in the Mediterranean area, and set out the conditions for economic, social and cultural cooperation between the EU and each partner country”.
“The Euro-Mediterranean partnership between the European Union and the countries of the Southern Mediterranean began in 1995 (The Barcelona Process) The partnership, which implies reciprocity, solidarity and codevelopment, is intended to establish political, economic and social cooperation.”
Quoting from a Debate in our Parliament that “on 14 March 2001, the European council held an extraordinary session to discuss developments in Libya and the Southern neighbourhood region and set the political direction and priorities for future EU policy and action. The council noted that progress and democracy go hand in hand, and all countries in the region needed to undertake or accelerate political and economic reforms, and said the EU would support all steps towards democratic transformation, political systems that allow peaceful change, growth and prosperity, and a more proportionate distribution of the benefits of economic performance”. Etc
At point 9.25, In particular, the Council was asked:
· To agree urgently pending proposals on pan-Euro-Mediterranean rules of origin (and the Commission was invited to present proposals on further means to enhance trade and foreign direct investment in the region in the short, medium and long term);
· To consider rapidly the Commission’s proposals on European Investment bank reflows and look at further possibilities to increase the EIB’s overall financial support capacity; and
· To review the missions of the Union for the Mediterranean, with the objective of promoting democracy and fostering stability in the region and giving “a new push” to concrete measures and projects so as to strengthen democratic institutions, freedom of expression, including unhindered access to internet, reinforce civil societies, support the economy, reduce poverty and address social injustice.
On 8th June 2011 The UK Parliament debated EU Document, number 2 Partnership with the EU's Neighbourhood, which read, “On 4 February 2011, the European Council met to discuss developments in Tunisia and Egypt. In its subsequent declaration, the EU said that it was determined to lend its full support to the transition processes towards democratic governance, pluralism, improved opportunities for economic prosperity and social inclusion, and strengthened regional stability; and committed to a new partnership involving more effective support in the future to those countries pursuing political and economic reforms including through the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Union for the Mediterranean. The Commission set out three elements on which the Partnership would be based.
— democratic transformation and institution-building, with a particular focus on fundamental freedoms, constitutional reforms, reform of the judiciary and the fight against corruption;
— a strong partnership with the people, with specific emphasis on support to civil society and on enhanced opportunities for exchanges and people-to-people contacts with a particular focus on the young; and
— sustainable and inclusive growth and economic development, especially support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), vocational and educational training, improving health and education systems and development of the poorer regions.
On 6th July 2011 it was noted in Document 4 that at 4.3 The Commission notes that the conflict in Libya has so far displaced around 800,000 individuals, mainly to neighbouring countries. Since January, some 35,000 migrants have sought shelter on the Italian island of Lampedusa and in Malta. The Commission says that the EU's response has been swift, comprehensive and effective and includes:
- the allocation of €40 million (€102 million if Member State contributions are included) for emergency humanitarian assistance;
- the launch of a FRONTEX operation (Joint Operation Hermes Extension 2011) to help Italy control sea vessels carrying migrants and refugees;
- the deployment of Europol experts to Italy to help identify possible criminals;
- the allocation of an additional €25 million from the External Borders and European Refugee Funds to assist Member States most exposed to the influx of migrants and refugees; and
- concrete proposals to develop a dialogue on migration, mobility and security with southern Mediterranean countries.
The Governments response-although I do suggest you read it is one paragraph at
4.17 The Minister says that the UK is willing to assist the European Asylum Support Office through the deployment of asylum experts and case workers (and has already done so in Greece) but adds:
"[W]e are opposed to the transfer of migrants to the EU from North Africa and to the relocation to other Member States of those migrants who reach the EU. We believe that building capacity in the region, and in adversely affected EU countries, to deal more effectively with migrants will create a more sustainable solution to this problem. We support the establishment of a Regional Protection Programme to create sustainable solutions for those in genuine need, as close to their region of origin as possible. In the long term, resettlement may form part of the strategic element of such a programme, but should not be used as a reflex reaction to an unfolding situation”.
On 12, December 2010 at 16.3 “During that particular debate, there was some, perforce limited, discussion of President Sarkozy's idea of a "Union of the Mediterranean", which would apparently have been restricted to Mediterranean EU Member States and the Mediterranean partners. However, Chancellor Merkel opposed the notion that EU funds should be used in this way for the benefit of only some Member States — hence the compromise embodied in the European Council Conclusions, which includes all 27 Member States and all 700 million people on both sides of the Mediterranean (now including Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Monaco)”.
Under the title “Funding,” "You raised several points on funding, asking "how more money is likely to be the answer, when €6 billion has been spent or committed thus far on the existing Process; where it would come from; and what would ensure that it is spent effectively". UMed is made up of several different elements: the Secretariat which will oversee a variety of projects (yet to be implemented) and sectoral processes continuing from the Barcelona Process, e.g. on migration and water, including at Ministerial level. This means that funding for the whole process comes from a variety of sources.
"So far, UMed's costs have been limited as there is no Secretariat and few activities: only the circulation of documents and support to some countries to attend meetings. Once a permanent Secretariat is established, most of its core activities, such as local staff and administration, will be funded from the European Neighbourhood & Partnership Instrument's (ENPI) regional funding streams administered by the European Commission (EC). EC funding should be kept within existing resources, respecting the Financial Framework, consistent with what the UK secured in the Paris and Marseille declarations. The actual building will be provided free of charge by the Spanish authorities. The core budget and local staffing costs will be supplemented by those Member States who wish to provide additional voluntary contributions. At this stage we do not envisage additional UK funding.
"The Barcelona Process (EuroMed) has been funded by the Commission since it was founded in 1995. This funding, which has gone on largely successful programmes such as migration, should not be confused with UMed funding. The ENPI budget for the Southern Partners is about 1 billion Euros per year and is kept under constant review. Only a very small percentage of this goes to UMed. EC funding will be monitored and agreed in the same way as all ENPI funding and the normal rules will apply. The draft Statutes of the Secretariat require the Secretary General to submit annual accounts and work plans to the Senior Officials to ensure oversight of spending and impact.” I can give a good guess that funds will go up!
I do point you in the direction of COM (2011) 200 final below which makes fairly clear where this Mediterranean project is heading, although in March when this was printed matters were obviously not as far ahead as they are at present (23.8.2011) although the beginning makes clear that it is all, “A PARTNERSHIP FOR DEMOCRACY AND SHARED PROSPERITY WITH THE SOUTHERN MEDITERRANEAN”. When reading Numbers 5 and 9 Chapters, it should also be remembered that any money written about here WE have also contributed to, and then ask, when did anyone here vote for this Mediterranean extension?
On May 25th 2011 the EU outlined a new Policy in response to Arab Spring, This is what it said. “The European Union launched today a new policy proposal for its relations with neighboring countries in Eastern Europe and the countries of the southern Mediterranean. The new policy, known as the European Neighborhood Policy, is a concrete response to the Arab Spring and the aspirations of the countries to the east of the European Union.
It increases funding by 1.24 billion euros over the next two years, on top of the 5.7 billion euros already allocated for the period.
The proposal, presented today by Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy hand European Commission Vice-President, and Stefan Fule, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, sets out the main priorities and directions of a revitalized ENP strategy which seeks to strengthen individual and regional relationships between the EU and countries in its neighborhood through a 'more funds for more reform' approach -- making more additional funds available, but with more mutual accountability.
Below is a paper title, Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean” Readjusting the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership which puts the French-German paper and Council together again. Also noted, if German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy get their way, the 17 nations that use the euro will more closely coordinate their economic policies, and in particular their budgets. Why incidentally were the rest of the euro-zone members not at that recent meeting?
I have placed quite a number of e-mail addresses below and that quite long list below is not all I have gone through to try and make sense of exactly WHY the EU has gone down this road-with our money- and without asking and perhaps more to the point why did we not have a referendum on this extension especially as it is our money our Government is paying the EU with. Perhaps now we know or realize why the EU wants to increase our EU contributions. But WHY didn’t our own Government or any one of the three major political Parties that all wish to remain in the EU, just tell the people about this extension to the EU? When it comes to the next election remember only vote for any one of the three major political Parties IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN IN THE EU.
Not content with this first extension of the EU our own country is to be split up into EU Regions. The Country and Nation of ENGLAND is being divided (destroyed) by our very own Government because it has to put EU orders before their own Country, this they are doing THROUGH THE EU’s Localism Bill-and we are PAYING THEM TO DO THIS! Just how much longer do you think the people will continue to pay their own Government to destroy their own Country? There has not been one Government since 1975 that has had the guts to give the people a say, the question is though, would we be able to trust any British Government to hold a true and fair referendum on THIS particular subject of an in or out referendum? Yes, and it grieves me to question that. There will be any kind of referendum anyone cares to name under the Localism Bill, perhaps the first one for elected MAYORS for the EU’s REGIONS FOR ENGLAND. What kind of Government have we elected-and pay- that could do this to their own Country?
We went through two World Wars without these two extra layers of Governance-neither of which are compatible with our own Constitution. Firstly the most expensive extra layer of Governance is the European Union itself. The second completely extra layer of false Governance are the EU Regions. As far as the EU is concerned, Scotland is already an EU Region, as is London with its elected Mayor and as is Wales and Northern Ireland but ENGLAND has to be divided up into EU Regions, eventually with elected Mayors yet our own Prime Minister has not so far had the guts to tell the people, the Localism Bill started its Journey in the European Union.
Governments make the people that elected them poorer quite deliberately, even when there is absolutely no benefit for them at all. Has a war been created in Libya because Gaddafi would not go along with the EU? For the EU’s kind of “Democracy”? If we want our Freedom to Govern ourselves by coming out of the European Union, will a “No fly Zone” be put over the UK? Endorsed by the peace keeping United Nations?
What will be the next step? All the way towards World Government?
As I come to the end of this, the new beginning for the people of Libya seems to be on the way. Their troubles may just be about to begin, but if the people are wise, they will govern themselves. Anne Palmer.
Union for the Mediterranean. Worth reading. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_for_the_Mediterranean
José Manuel Durão Barroso Speech 14/07/2011
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/11/523
1 Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean 8th May 2009
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmeuleg/19-xv/19xv03.htm
2 Partnership with the EU's Neighbourhood 8th June 2011
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmeuleg/428-xxix/42804.htm
4 Migration from the Southern Mediterranean 6th July 2011.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmeuleg/428-xxx/42806.htm
9 Partnership with the Southern Mediterranean 5 April 2011 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmselect/cmeuleg/428-xxiii/42811.htm
16 Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean 2.12 2010.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmselect/cmeuleg/428-x/42818.htm
UN Resolution 1973
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10200.doc.htm#Resolution
COM/2000/0497 final
"REINVIGORATING THE BARCELONA PROCESS"
Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on developments in Libya 22.8.2011.
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/124420.pdf
Tunisia: European support of €110 million for economic recovery 23.8.2011http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/974&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly
ANNEX 11: MEDITERRANEAN BARCELONA DECLARATION ADOPTED AT THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE (27 and 28 November 1995) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/mad4_en.htm
And
EU Commission launches ambitious Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/268
Brussels, 8.3.2011 COM(2011) 200 final A PARTNERSHIP FOR DEMOCRACY AND SHARED PROSPERITY WITH THE SOUTHERN MEDITERRANEAN http://eeas.europa.eu/euromed/docs/com2011_200_en.pdf An informative article well worth reading.
EU Outlines New Policy in Response to Arab Spring http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eu-outlines-new-policy-in-response-to-arab-spring-122600658.html
“Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean” Readjusting the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/bruessel/05364.pdf
Further reading: Secret History of the “Arab Spring” “Chapter 7 Bilderberg Group dated April 7, 2011.
Europe’s Flawed Arab Spring FIIA Comment
Egypt, Europe, and the seeds of a crisis, by Daniel Korski and Mark Leonard.
2 Preparation of the 2012 EU Budget for those that did not see this.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmeuleg/428-xxx/42804.htm
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