EU ties support for Kyrgyzstan to democracy
The European Union said on Tuesday it would offer Kyrgyzstan's interim government political and economic support if satisfied it was committed to a quick return to democracy. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she was encouraged by early signs, including pledges of a new constitution and elections, but underlined the need for the involvement of all parties and ethnic groups. ‘If we are satisfied that the provisional government is committed to a quick return to legitimacy and genuinely wants to join the democratic family, the European Union will be ready to provide the necessary political, financial and technical support.’ Russia and the United States have pledged aid to Kyrgyzstan, where President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was ousted on April 7, but Washington and the EU have not yet recognised the new government. (See Prayer Alert 1610 & 1510)
Pray: against any breakdown and disunity amongst the leaders. (Job.22:21)
Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme resigns
Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme resigned on Thursday after a key Flemish party withdrew its support and toppled his coalition government, a senior minister announced. ‘There was no other choice but for the government to resign,’ Finance Minister Didier Reynders told reporters after the Flemish liberal Open VLD party pulled out of the five-party coalition. Open VLD were frustrated by the failure to solve a long-running dispute between Belgium's Dutch-speaking and Francophone communities.
Pray: for the Belgian peoples as they consider a new Prime Minister that there would be a meeting of minds. (Pr.3:13)
Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme resigns
Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme resigned on Thursday after a key Flemish party withdrew its support and toppled his coalition government, a senior minister announced. ‘There was no other choice but for the government to resign,’ Finance Minister Didier Reynders told reporters after the Flemish liberal Open VLD party pulled out of the five-party coalition. Open VLD were frustrated by the failure to solve a long-running dispute between Belgium's Dutch-speaking and Francophone communities.
Pray: for the Belgian peoples as they consider a new Prime Minister that there would be a meeting of minds. (Pr.3:13)
New Evangelical head says revival is 'essential' for European Church
The newly appointed General Secretary of the European Evangelical Alliance says revival is essential for Europe's traditional churches. Rev Niek M Tramper was appointed to his new post at the EEA's annual conference in Turkey on April 22. Rev Tramper, of the Netherlands, said there were many challenges facing the Church in Europe, including the need for greater cooperation between new and traditional forms of Church, a growing Muslim population, and tensions between the rich and poor. ‘The Church and Christian movements need each other in advancing the Kingdom of God,’ said Rev Tramper. ‘Traditional churches cannot continue without revival. Profound theology and missionary zeal are complementary. In places with few historic churches, the EEA is of great value for facilitating the replanting of churches in countries like Kosovo, Albania and Turkey, as well as in Central Asia.’
Pray: that the Lord directs Rev Tramper’s energy and vision in ways that promote Christ’s kingdom. (2Ti.3:9-11)
