French President Macron's reputation slightly increases; Ukraine hopes to receive more financial aid from IMF

French President Macron's reputation increases slightly after most difficult period

According to a recent poll conducted by OpinionWay, French President Emmanuel Macron currently enjoys the satisfaction of 33% of the French population. This figure is up slightly from the polls conducted a month ago. Similarly, French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe also received a positive assessment of his government performance by 33% of the French population.

According to French political analysts, although the prestige of Mr. Macron and Mr. Édouard Philippe has not increased much, this is a very important sign that the French government seems to have overcome the most difficult period of power since Mr. Macron became President of France in May 2017. This is demonstrated by the fact that Mr. Macron's ruling party "The Republic on the Move" (LREM) achieved relatively positive results in the European elections, when it came in second place with a narrow margin compared to its opponent, the far-right party "National Front" of Ms. Marine Le Pen, despite previous concerns that this party would be punished by French voters because of the "Yellow Vest" crisis.

Ukraine hopes to receive more financial aid from the IMF this year

Berdyansk seaport on the Sea of ​​Azov, eastern Ukraine on December 2, 2018. Photo: AFP/ VNA

Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ukraine Kateryna Rozhkova expressed hope on June 10 that Ukraine could receive another aid package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this year.

The IMF approved a $3.9 billion 14-month program for Ukraine in December to help the country implement structural reforms, reduce inflation, develop the financial sector and limit public debt. However, disbursement of the program will have to wait until a new government is formed after parliamentary elections in July.

China vows to retaliate if US tries to escalate tensions

Workers load export goods onto a crane at a port in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, China on June 7. Photo:Reuters

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on June 11 did not confirm whether President Xi Jinping would meet US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan at the end of June, despite Trump yesterday threatening to immediately impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods if Xi does not attend the summit.

Geng said he would announce the meeting when he was ready. "China does not want a trade war, but we are not afraid of a trade war," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, referring to Trump's threat to impose more tariffs. Geng added that China was always open to negotiations based on the principle of equality, but "if the US only wants to escalate trade tensions, we will resolutely respond and fight to the end."

South Korea transfers $8 million to support North Korean women and children

South Korean trucks carrying flour aid to North Korea pass through the border gate in Paju province. Photo: AFP/VNA

On June 11, South Korea sent $8 million in aid to United Nations agencies to support North Korean women and children. Of this, $4.5 million will be sent through the WFP to help address child malnutrition, and $3.5 million will be sent through UNICEF to address health issues for children and pregnant women. The money was sent to the agencies on the afternoon of June 11.

An official from the South Korean Unification Ministry stressed that it will take some time before the money can be allocated to projects in North Korea. They are speeding up the implementation considering the urgent needs of the North Korean people.

Thailand bans fishing for 3 months in the Gulf of Thailand

Thai fishing boats at port. Photo: AFP

According to the newspaperBangkok PostOn June 11, the Thai Department of Fisheries decided to implement regulations restricting offshore fishing. The ban will be effective from June to September 2019 to create favorable conditions for marine creatures to have time to recover and mature.

The strict ban will be imposed in the northern Gulf of Thailand and will take effect from June 15 to August 15 in the waters off Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon provinces. Meanwhile, the waters off the capital Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri provinces will be closed from August 1 to September 30.