Solana retiring?

He would be retiring from position of High Representative of the European Union according to this article and the ramifications of his departure in this article. His term ends in October and he is basically saying, he doesn't have interest in that position any longer. What does that mean?

First let's remember that a ratified Lisbon Treaty in Decemeber could still offer him a new position of greater power. I think it's called Foreign Minister of the EU, and if I'm not mistaken people prematurely call him this already. Though by the tone of the retirement articles nobody expects him to be interested in that any longer.

And it's been speculated by some that before his term ends he could always activate Recommendation 666's emergency powers. But he would need a world crisis for that to work. Do have any of those?

Also he holds many other positions in different places, his term only ends in one. It's my understanding he is still Secretary General of the Council of Europe - This makes him the head of one of larger decision making bodies of the EU, and gives him access to play politics internally. He is still Secretary General of the 10-nation WEU - This makes him the practical Commander in Chief of the EU combined military. This head of 10 is what has made him a prophetic target. He is still Head of European Defence Agency (EDA)- This makes gives him more military power in a defense crisis. His position in the mideast quartet for peace may be lost if he is not High Represtative or FM of the EU.

It's a good time to watch and see what unfolds. Many things can be learned in the next few months. We may discover that it was the position of the man that was prophetic and not the man, or we could discover Daniel's 70th week is still a ways away for better or for worse.

Looking for the groom...