Quote: "According to the document, the French president then proposed a deal: "Listen to me. You become leader of Eastern Europe. You'll need me. I'll still be in power, I'm not ready to leave. Who do you think I prefer? Angela (Merkel) or you? I'll help you and I'm sure that at the end of your presidency, you'll have the same authority as France vis a vis the Mediterranean Union. Back me today and I'll defend you later." Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi also reportedly entered the discussion. "Silvio always says no and in the end he always says yes. He'll never dare jump off the European train," Mr Sarkozy is reported as saying.

The Czech Foreign Minister formally apologized over the article, claiming that someone within the Czech Foreign Office had "made a mistake" in publishing the "misleading text". The Czech ambassador to France publicly denied that such a conversation actually took place, stating that, "I was present during all talks with the French president and I do not recognise the text. I must categorically deny speculations about the authenticity of the text".  And a spokesman for the French government went one step further in saying that, "this story is completely made up". But is the story entirely fictitious? Or was the Czech government's only mistake to publish minutes of a meeting that were meant to be kept strictly off the record? It's not the first time the French President has sought a special role for France within the Union for the Mediterranean. And it wouldn't be the first time that Sarkozy has sought to retain power within the European Union.

The Bible states that a man will soon arise from the revived Roman Empire (Daniel 9:26) who will command the respect of the entire world. And this world leader, who will attempt to resolve the Middle East conflict (Daniel 9:27, 11:38), will be given power to continue in his position for a three and a half year period (Revelation 13:5). The fact that European leaders are now bending over backwards to try and secure a permanent presidency over the European Union and Union for the Mediterranean shows us how close we may be to the fulfilment of these prophecies. As Christians we are not necessarily opposed to the ideas of a European Union or a one world government in themselves, but we do believe that the inclination of the heart of man is predisposed to sin and that the government of man will ultimately fail. There is only one Person who has the right and ability to govern this planet. And the Bible declares that "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6-7). Wonderful, because of what He has done for us upon the cross of Calvary (Romans 5:8). Counsellor, because He is a High Priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), and He is our Advocate with the Father (1st John 2:1). The Mighty God, because He is acquainted with us on a personal basis (Genesis 49:24-25). The Everlasting Father, because through faith in His sacrifice for our sins we have been given the authority to be called the sons of God (John 1:12). And Prince of Peace, because through the blood of His cross He has made peace between God and men (Colossians 1:20). Words are incapable of adequately portraying Him or doing justice in describing all that He has done for us. Why would a God go to such lengths to reconcile sinful men to Himself? Perhaps we will never fully understand.

Source Telegraph