There's a new voice being heard. And, people are beginning to notice. Recently, that new voice was heard in Washington at an important meeting with Condoleezza Rice. But, for those who have been listening for awhile, the voice isn't really new. It's the voice of Javier Solana.

In his recent meeting with Rice, Solana was representing all 25 nations of the European Union (EU). This is not an insignificant detail. In fact, there were comments to this effect in the press. Many, even ridiculing the idea. After all, what power does Solana actually have? The people who hold the real reigns of power in the EU are still the heads of state. So, who does Solana think he is sitting beside Rice and trying to speak for Europe?

But, like most geo-political issues, there is more to be found than what's on the surface. You see, Solana has long been cultivating his relationship with Washington See and hear it here. And, it's his relationship with Washington that keeps him strong in Europe.

This brings us to Solana's quest to become the EU's first, super Foreign Minister, and another attempt at breathing life into the EU's faltering Constitution. The Austrian EU presidency is hosting a conference for this purpose it calls, "The Sound of Europe." Evidently, the date of the conference happens to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. So, the Austrian presidency decided to make music the theme of the conference Read about it here.

By making music the theme, it seems the organizers of this conference want to teach the many voices of Europe how to sing together. Sound familiar? It should. Remember Solana's idea about creating the so-called Quartet? His concept was, if the international community would begin singing together -- working as one, they could bring peace to the Middle East. Is that the idea behind this conference?

And, speaking of Solana, guess who will be at the conference providing the note for all to sing on key. That's right, Solana. He will be giving the keynote speech Read about it here.

You know, if the world is a stage and its leaders are performing in an opera, than there is definitely something new being heard.

It's the sounds of Solana.