http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javier_Solana



Javier Solana's opening address to the UK Presidency of the EU seminar on Civil-Military Co-ordination: http://www.rusi.org/media/ref:N4353B5BD27D68/

Javier Solana’s speech at the 40th Commanders Conference of the German Bundeswehr: http://www.voltairenet.org/article129614.html

STRAW PRESS CONFERENCE WITH ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER (30/11/05)
http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/F...d=1132598593113


How much do you know about Javier Solana? And what could his role as a world leader and public figure be in the future?

How much do you know about Javier Solana? And what could his role as a world leader and public figure be in the future?

To be honest, although I consider myself to be reasonably well-informed, I had never heard the name before today. This guy really flies under the radar for being the fulfillment of talking to Europe with a single phone call.

It's odd that the man who wrote "50 Reasons to Say No to NATO" would become its Secretary-General.

You also don't often see physicists becoming politicians.

For biblical prophecy buffs, Solana is the Secretary General of the Western EU, a little known group of 10 European nations which was founded the same year that Israel was established.

Solana seems to be a rising star. He is the architect behind the Roadmap to Peace. He has been involved in the current Iran crisis : link He also seems to be a major player in European unity: link

I'm sure we'll be hearing more and more from Mr. Solana.

Just for your consideration and inlightenment:




from here: http://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/analisis/735.asp
with much more infos on EGF



from rec 666 paragraph 12 we know who is able to decide here at the top.:

http://www.assemblee-ueo.org/en/documents/...000/rec666.html

How much do you know about Javier Solana? And what could his role as a world leader and public figure be in the future?

Even though I am a European, I know very little about Solana, although I have heard of him many times.

If it is up to me, his future role as a leader and public figure will be no greater than it is today. Although I am pro-EU, I think the power of the central european administration should be severely limited (it already has too much power in areas that has nothing to do with trade). My reason for opposing centralized power in Brussels is a pragmatic one, and not because I particulary subscribe to the idea of localized government (ideally there would be no government, so both forms are inherently bad). The problem in having the EU and Solana representing European countries is, that these countries in my opinion are not really representable by a single body. European countries hardly agree all the time, and for me the EU in a lot of cases is just the lowest common denominator.

Denmark and other progressive countries has had to accept a lot of things we didn't previously, like lower standards on toxins in foods and removal of other environmental safeguards, draconian IT laws and increased surveillance - all in the name of "free trade" and "security". I think free trade is a good thing, but I don't see why Denmark and other progressive nations should lower their standards because they are a member. Luckily we have a lot of exceptions, but that can't go on for ever.

In essence, we should keep the EU entirely as a free trade body (which it hasn't been its sole purpose for a very long time sadly), and we would need no one like Solana to represent the EU politically.

/end of rant

Why not? What does Free Trade stand for? What symbolic does it have? What ideals? Maximising profits?
The European integration process is about common heritage, common moral values and a common destiny. Building a peaceful bond between nations at what end a multicultural entity secures those ideals for all its members. In essence, a EU of 27 speaking with a single voice would be dream come true.

Solana is a fine diplomat who works on building a future EU that is practical and powerful. He is well-respected by the EU-member states and his name is fairly well-known. He could've been the foreign minister of the EU in case the constitution would've been signed, but that's off for now.
However, his skills in diplomacy are widely admired, therefore his name " Squarer of circles". In the gas dispute between Moscow and Kiev he also negotiated.
The European Union does need a couple of people that have integrity and have earned respect and who stand for the ideals that the EU incorporates in these uncertain times. A good negotiator and diplomat would be a wise choice.

A dream come true, Sevac, for whom?

Living in the 'United States of Europe' is not my dream and I feel no special connection to the French or the Italians or the Spanish just because we all live on the same subcontinent.
What you're describing, sounds to me like the same dream Napoleon had, and Hitler. One people, one leader, one voice.

Javier Solana is the typical Eurocrat. He is invisible. Again and again his name surfaces in the news media as he is an ever presence figure in the decisions which effect my country... but what power do I, or any other Dane hold over him? As of now, I don't even know what country he comes from but I bet he isn't Danish.

Yes, my ignorance is my own problem, but I can easily fix it by looking Solana up on the internet. What I can't fix is the ever dominating presence the EU has on my nation and neither it seems can any one else since it doesn't seem to matter how much the Danes reject EU initiatives, the Eurocrats just keep steaming full speed ahead and to hell with the concerns of their electorate.

With a bit of luck and fortitude however, we will see the countries of Europe waking up from the deep sleep of the Cold War to the understanding that American economic power will not keep Europe free for ever. That the EU has not been the guarantor of freedom and peace its supporters make out and that in this new century, our best interests and our democratic rights as free citizens cannot and will not be upheld by the inept, corrupt Eurocrats in Brussels.

I was happy to note that the Austrian, Finnish and German parliaments have put a stop to the latest attempt by the Eurocrats to raise their constitution from the dead. Its about time.

Like Carlsen I also believe in an EU based around free trade but do not support the notion of central control from Brussels.

I want more democracy, not less!

Maximising profits? If anything, I think free trade diminishes the profits of big corporations when they have to compete in a bigger market with other big players. Free trade is not having tariffs on goods and services from other countries. Of course the EU protects it member states from cheaper products from outside the EU, which of course is also wrong, but hopefully these barriers will be removes someday too.



Well, who can't support building peaceful bonds between nations, I just don't think the bloated bureaucracy of the EU is best suited for the task. I do agree that we share some moral values and do have somewhat of a common heritage, but in my opinion to a much lesser degree than the USA, so I am certainly not a supporter of a United States of Europe. I think we can get along just fine and still remain independent autonomous countries, but of course that just an insane idea, isn't it....


Solana may be the best thing since sliced bread, and I might even like him if I got to know him personally, but I certainly hope he never gets to be the "foreign minister" of the EU.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=1477779&C=europe



Looks to me like Europe is asking for a single voice to speak for them.

Correction: Politicians in Europe are looking for a single voice to speak for them.

The inhabitants of the individual countries are not - evidenced by the rejection of the new EU constitution. The majority of people in Europe doesn't want the EU to have more power than it already has, but of course politicians from all mainstream parties are pushing for a United States of Europe despite of this.

I'm glad that it is difficult to "extend" law enforcment and security operations across borders - I don't want foreign police operating on Danish soil, because I have a hard time already trusting my own government. I think many feel the same way.

I hope I'm not going too far off the subject of the thread by asking this, but do you have any speculation as to what's causing European democracy to fail, at least on this subject? How is it that the politicians almost uniformly go against what the people want, and still are able to stay in power?

The reason for this is relatively simple.

In national elections, at least here in Denmark, there is relatively little focus on what kind of EU the politicial parties want. The reason for this is, that Danes know, that if we as a country has to hand over more power to the EU, we have to have a referendum (we have had a lot of EU related referendums). Last time we had such a referendum in 2000 we rejected adopting the Euro currency (53.2% to 46.8%). Sadly not all countries hold referendums on these issues, but luckily we have to.

Furthermore, the political parties that oppose the EU are usually the fringe parties on the left and right, but more often than not they want to completely withdraw from the union, and thats not a tenable idea either. Very few people want to completely withdraw from the union (some doubt it is even possible anymore).

This problem stems from an ambition to regain Europe's position of dominance in the world again coupled with an arrogant disregard for the democratic wishes of the people.

We've seen it many times now. ALL the mainstream political parties work towards a Greater European Union whilst the populations largely do not share their ambitions.

Only by keeping the EU out of most national election debates have the Eurocrats managed to avoid a head to head confrontation. The EU has always been a slip-in-through-the-back-door issue in domestic politics here.

Worst of all, the EU is a mess. Unable to keep within its own economic forecasts, its a fat bloated gravy train, riddled with corruption, ever lowering standards and nepotism. The EU spends more on subsidizing its own farmers to produce worthless surplus foods than it does on its own educational plans, environmental projects and scientific research.

The common agricultural policy is the largest drain on the EU and most of the recipients are, like the militant French farmers, being propped up against every rule of fair trade in order to safe guard France's farming population from having to face the reality of their situation.
Whilst millions of Europeans demonstrate for free trade in the third world, the EU is busy ensuring it will never happen.

The EU is a joke. Its potrayed by its supporters as being the future of Europe, but it has no serious long term plans to safe guard Europe's competative edge. Its leadership is still trying to implement a constitution that few want in order to create a federal super state that few want. In the mean while, the USA continues to out perform the EU in most fields of endeavour. European higher learning, European economic growth, European scientific research... all of these have long been neglected in favour of maintining a 1950's era status quo in nations like France.

http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=11799



So is the current US administration in bed with sosialists?

In case you didn't know socialism is a intergral part of European societies. Even the most liberal parties tend to have some strong socialistic principles. There is nothing wrong with that, or is it?

I could reverse it and say the same thing from a European point of view.
So is the E.U. in bed with religious rightwing hawks?

In case you didn't know socialism is a intragral part of European societies. Even the most liberal parties tend to have some strong socialistic principles. There is nothing wrong with that, or is it?

Let's see what Tony Blair, a European, had to say about socialism in Europe:

http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page7714.asp


I could reverse it and say the same thing from a European point of view.

Sure, if the European's' adopted our economic's and abandoned their own:

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadA...le.asp?ID=18683


But then again, the American automotive industry is being disassembled.

So is the E.U. in bed with religious rightwing hawks?

Right wing hawk? Yes. True to his religion? No. Our great president actually is becoming a little bit of a backslider of his faith:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...5120601900.html
'Holiday' Cards Ring Hollow for Some on Bushes' List

I have a lot of issues with this current president, one of which is I think he's a hypocrite of his own faith and sell out and a liar.

But it looks like Bush's father was right when he said:

On September 11, 1990 at 9:09 PM, President George Herbert Walker Bush speech before a joint session of Congress. http://www.sweetliberty.org/issues/war/bushsr.htm

Funny, huh? Gave that speech eleven years to the day before 9/11

Why would that not be possible? Has anyone taken a serious look at what the economic effect would be of withdrawal? Even if the short-term effects might be a little tough, would the economy readjust after a manageable length of time?


This is a theme that appeared in both your and Carlsen's posts, that of the two political parties locking the issue out of the debate. Would you both say that there's outright collusion between the supposedly competing major parties? If so, are the people of Europe mostly aware or unaware of this collusion?

Good idea and this time a little more context please. From the same article:



* Prime-minister of the Netherlands between 1992 and 2000 of the PvdA (my own party) and a social-democrat.

I agree with Blair that a strong economy is essential and we should use it to improve our societies, our social welfare healthcare, our education etc. etc. although he is focussing on the global economy, he also realizes the importance of socialism to improve the living conditions in society. It is not one or the other, it is a combination between liberal economics and socialistic social structures.

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadA...le.asp?ID=18683


This is an easy attack upon Europe, and it only focusses on one thing: USA USA USA and Liberalism, liberalism hooray! What it completely ignores is the fact that the living standard in a lot of Western European countries is higher than the U.S. We do not have to take three jobs just to make ends meet. We all have social security and are not afraid of being fired because you are sick for a day. Of course entrepreneurial activity is larger in the U.S. (it is one of the things central to U.S. society), but it also has damaged your society in more than one ways. (staggering low minimum wages, no social healthcare system, a lot of people in debt, hardly any protection against employers etc. etc. etc.



It is a pity he forgets one thing: the enormous economic burden after the reunion of the rich West and poor East-Germany. This affects German economy more than anything else.



But with the best healthcare and welfare sytem money can buy!!



This clearly shows that the writer of this article has a grudge against anything that smells leftish. He clearly is not objective and only selects aspects that make the U.S. shine brighter than her European counterparts. It smells like ..... like .... Anti-Europanism?



What would happen if Europe decides to cut their economic ties with the U.S. and focus more on Russia and South-East Asia? This would be a devastating slap in the face of mighty U.S.A. Europe and the U.S. are tied together and they need eachother, never forget that.

Solana is:

Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union (EU)
Secretary-General of the Western European Union (WEU)
High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
Will be VP of the Commission in charge of External Relations

Before the expansion there were 626 seats in the European Parliment, from 2004 to 2007 there will be 732, and from 2007 until 2009 there will be 786 seats. (This is the "seat number 666" that is unassigned, but it's probably just like the 13th floor, they probably just skipped number 666 as no one wanted it due to the negative connotations)

This is the only main body that Solana is not part of... yet

The European Commission is the driving force for the union and does a lot of the day-to-day work in the European Union. It drafts proposals for new European laws, which it presents to the European Parliament and the Council.

Romano Prodi heads the EU executive as President of the European Commission
Chris Patten is Commissioner in charge of External Relations - This is the position/duties that will be moved to Solana as Foriegn Minister.

Also of note:
The European Commission is responsible for the General Report of 1998, Chapter V: Role of the Union in the world, Section 1: Common foreign and security policy:

666. In December the Vienna European Council expressed the opinion that the Secretary-General of the Council and High Representative for the CFSP should be appointed as soon as possible and be a personality with a strong political profile. It invited the Council to prepare common strategies on Russia, Ukraine, the Mediterranean region and the western Balkans, on the understanding that the first would be on Russia. Welcoming the new impetus given to the debate on a common European policy on security and defence, the European Council also noted that the CFSP should be backed by credible operational capabilities

This Commission report is what led to Recommendation 666 in June 2000

The Council of the European Union is the EU's main decision-making body
Solana is Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union

The counsil has six key responsibilities:
1) To pass European laws. In many fields it legislates jointly with the European Parliament.
2) To co-ordinate the broad economic policies of the member states.
3) To conclude international agreements between the EU and one or more states or international organisations.
4) To approve the EU's budget, jointly with the European Parliament.
5) To develop the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy
6) To co-ordinate co-operation between the national courts and police forces in criminal matters

Solana is also High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (#5 above)

In addition, there are two decentralized bodies under the CFSP (Solana) that are of interest. Both came directly from the WEU.
(1) The European Institute for Security Studies (ISS): Its aim is to help create a common European security culture, to support the strategic debate by providing the best possible interface between European decision-makers and the diverse circles of non-official specialists. (like the CIA?)
(2) European Union Satellite Centre (EUSC): Its mission is to support EU decision-making in the context of the CSFP, and in particular of the ESDP, by enhancing the EU's capability to gather space related information to help prevent conflicts, support peace-keeping efforts in the event of such conflicts and provide effective humanitarian aid during natural and man-made disasters. Its task will hence consist of providing material resulting from the analysis of satellite imagery and collateral data, including aerial imagery as appropriate.

And then there is the Political and Security Committee (PSC)

The Political and Security Committee (PSC) follows international developments in the field of common foreign and security policy (CFSP), helps to define policies and monitors their implementation. Under the authority of the Council (Solana), it is responsible for the political control and strategic guidance of crisis management operations. Composed mainly of national representatives, the PSC is at the heart of crisis management activities. To ensure its smooth running, it is assisted by a Politico-Military Group, a Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management, and the Military Committee (MC) and Military Staff (MS) (this is similar to the National Security Advisory Committee, headed by Dr. Condoleezza Rice and the Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld)

Where does the WEU fit into all of this?

The EU’s High Representative is also the WEU Secretary-General and
The Political and Security Committee (PSC) also make up the 10 nation WEU Permanent Council

Despite all the institutional changes in Europe, the WEU Counsil and the Assembly of WEU are still in charge of Security and Defence for the EU, esp in relation to "emergency" Military actions.

Most documentation will say that the WEU has many Representatives, what they fail to mention is that only the 10 nations that make up the PERMANENT COUNSIL have voting power. They are:

France
Germany
United Kingdom
Spain
Italy
Greece
Belgium
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Portugal

There is one Vice-President of the Permanent Council from each of these 10 nations, plus a "president", but Solana as the Secretary-General has all the real power in the group, including the power to declare and emergency and direct the Military.

There are 3 branches of government in the EU. They are the Parliament, Commission, and Council.

Solana currently is the head of the Counsil, which has most of the decision making authority in the EU. He also heads the department within the Counsil that controls Security and Defence (the military). The power and decision making in this department actually comes from the 10 nation WEU Permanent Council, which Solana also runs.

When Solana is appointed as Foreign Minister he will also have a very powerful position in the third branch, the Commision. He will be VP and in charge of all foreign affairs for the EU.

As a comparison, it seems to me that Solana has about the same power in the EU as one would have if we combined all of the US positions listed below:

Secretary of State, Colin Powell
Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld
National Security Advisor, Dr. Condoleezza Rice
Department of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge
Speaker of the House (Congress), Dennis Hastert (very powerful but anonymous position)
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard B. Myers
Director of Central Intelligence, George J. Tenet
Chairman Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft
And possible a few others

Most of the data above was collected from
europa.eu.int/index_en.htm
assembly-weu.itnetwork.fr...ation.html for a VERY interesting overview of Solana
www.whitehouse.gov
www.fufilledprophecy.com

Wow, so many misunderstandings and inaccuracies in one posting, that's truly efficient.

One thing is that your list is at least 1 1/2 years old, for it's the old Bush cabinet and the old EU parliament. Might wanna give it a little brush up.

Secondly, the positions of the US officials you compared Solanas alleged influence with are very different from his actual powers. The problem is quite frankly that the EU is not a country and has not by far the same competences [as of yet @ moif & carlsen ]. To compare his responsibilities with the US is more like comparing apples and pudding.
The positions you refer to are in effect fairly weak. The European Bureaucracy is manifold and thick as has been pointed out many times. One way to make it more efficient is to combine positions of similar institutions. Theregfore it is not so odd that Solana is heading the CFSP and the WEU, for they have somewhat similar purposes and are to be merged. The CFSP is a small step towards the building of a common European army and foreign strategy, the WEU is a defence treaty with members of the EU but not directly associated with it.
The CFSP is bound by the decisions of the Council of the EU and its decisions (which need unanimity of all 25 members).
While on the topic: The Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union is also the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy by definition, these are not two separately elected positions.


That is a mix-up. He is not head of the council, for that is the head of state or a minister of the country that actively holds the Presidency at that time. Solana is the head of the Council Secretary. That means he doesn't even have voting power.

That is not true as such.
There is the European Council as well which sets out the grande agenda for the EU where all the heads of government of the EU member states appear. There is the European Court of Justice as well.

Solana is not and will not be VP of the Commission in charge of Foreign Affairs. VP are until 2009 (unless early elections) Kallos, Verheugen, Barrot, Frattini and Wallström. Commissioner for Foreign Policy is Benita Ferrero-Waldner. (Barroso is President btw].

So, in the EU Solana is:
Head of the Council Secretary of the Council of the European Union [without voting power] and therefore automatically the head of the CFSP.
He is also the head of the WEU which is supposed to merge with the CFSP.

... my god, that evil genius. How did he manage to get these two jobs of partly similar positions???
But you can be as paranoid as you which to be, of course.

By that definition, Solana has had way more power when he was heading NATO until 1999 [thats a 1 with a 666 upside down]!!! Or even worse, you can make a 616 out of it, which due to the oldest pergament scriptures is the actual number of the beast... Lords in heaven!


edited to add sarcastic comment.

You know, I don't appreciate your condescending attitude.

I'm sorry if you feel my "convictions" and observations are "kooky", but hey, having a stance or opinion veering in a direction that YOU deem "extreme" or "radical" isn't my fault. Infact, i thought having a variety of opinions was the foundation of a free democracy? Maybe I was wrong, because it seems that having a belief anymore in this country that is based in a religious doctrine is just dismissed and pushed aside. Just another one of those "crazy Christians". Seems to be a popular stance lately. But that's okay, because, until YOUR comments, I hadn't brought up "endtimes" dogma.




I have presented facts, where I get those facts, they back them up with PROOF of FACTS: from the SOURCE. Now, because you bring up the number 666, it's not my fault that those entities in Europe chose to use that number. They could have just as easily skipped it, knowing it's taboo. But they didn't, and not only didn't they, the subject matter pertaining to that referendum can be related to the conentation associated to that number. And, by the way, why doesn't someone sit in seat #666 at the EU Parlement building? What are they afraid of?

So are they inviting it, invoking in or provoking it?


So, here are FACTS, recent FACTS on the activities of Javier Solana. Incase you want to take the time to read it.

http://www.pnltv.com/euun1201.html

http://euobserver.com/9/20778

http://www.eu2006.at/en/The_Council_Presid...tion/index.html

One more thing, if I might add. One can call Bush a nazi, an antichrist, stupid, a puppet. But god forbid you accuse someone in the precious UE of anything. Or put a light of suspision on them. Can I not have a voice of concern?

Your "facts" were either almost 2 years old or plain wrong. Sorry. I described to you the actual situation and powers of the person in topic as can be found on the EU websites, partly on the ones you provided. I don't think you are extreme or radical, I think you are "just" paranoid and desperatly try to paint the person in a bad light. I am biased with GWB as well, so you may be biased with Solana. I am not saying he is a ray of sunshine. He is, after all, a politician. Still, he hasn't broken any rules or done something offensive, just his job. And he is fairly good at that. I simply cannot follow why he is supposed to be a real bad guy. Your links didn't help to better understand your position. Or do you oppose his position and influence for you fear a powerful EU as a direct threat to US-policies?


Maybe for the reason that people like you do not associate all your end-of-world paranoia with the MP holding the seat. But since this is neither part of the topic and in addition a sarcastic comment I would rather drop this issue as it will lead nowhere.


You may, but please do so on accurate information. For that does not seem to be a valid argument in US foreign politics, it is supposed to be a rather big deal in this debate forum. Besides, by making the comparison between Bush and Solana you show how much you lack understanding of the EU as an entity.
Furthermore, Bush has not even been a person of debate in the thread as far as I know. And i would guess that calling Bush a Nazi would be aimed at his dubious actions, not his powers.
As for the links you provided. They are about a conference on the future of the EU after the failed constitution. What's your point by adding them to your post? What's your aim? Do you disapprove any actions Solana takes?
The Polish site's newest article is from May 2003. Please update your links!

edited to clarify.

http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article347979.ece