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The French government officially announced today that it will recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. This move marks a significant shift in France’s stance on the Middle East peace process and could have far-reaching implications for diplomacy across Europe and the world.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated at a press conference held at the Élysée Palace that recognizing Palestine is “an essential step toward lasting peace and the two-state solution,” emphasizing that the decision is “not against Israel, but in support of peace, justice, and international law.”

Macron noted that although the international community has long supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tangible progress has remained slow. “We can no longer wait. When peace is delayed, justice is compromised,” he said.

France now joins Sweden, Slovenia, and several Latin American countries as a major European nation recognizing the State of Palestine. Following the announcement, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement highly praising France, calling the move “a validation of the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.”

Israel, on the other hand, expressed deep regret over France’s decision. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the move “will encourage extremism and undermine efforts toward peace.”

To date, more than 140 UN member states have recognized the State of Palestine. France’s decision could prompt more European countries to follow suit. Analysts believe that France’s move will draw renewed international attention to the Israeli-Palestinian issue and may reignite long-stalled peace negotiations.

A tragic accident occurred in the early hours recently in the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo, when the roof of a well-known nightclub collapsed, killing over 100 people. Among the deceased are a provincial governor, members of parliament, and former Major League Baseball players. Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and the country's president has declared three days of national mourning.

The nightclub “Jet Set,” a famous venue in Santo Domingo, is known for hosting regular dance music concerts every Monday night. At 12:44 AM local time on the 8th, while popular singer Rubby Pérez was performing on stage in front of hundreds of attendees, the nightclub suddenly experienced a power outage followed by a complete roof collapse.

Authorities have deployed heavy machinery, drones, search dogs, and dozens of rescue personnel to aid in the operation. Both Puerto Rico and Israel have also sent manpower to assist. The cause of the incident is still under investigation. According to Santo Domingo Emergency Operations Center director Juan Méndez, the death toll has surpassed 124, with over 150 injured and potentially hundreds still trapped. The victims include singer Rubby Pérez, former MLB pitchers Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, as well as Monte Cristi Province Governor Nelsy Cruz.

Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed deep sorrow and declared a three-day period of national mourning. Prior to a recent game at Citi Field in New York, the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins honored Dotel with a black-and-white photo and the image of the Dominican flag displayed on the scoreboard to pay their respects.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, center, co-hosted the International Day of Conscience Celebration Gala Dinner with Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen, President of the Flame of Peace, left, and Dr. Vinzenz von Holle, President of the Dignity Foundation. (AP Images)

The 6th International Day of Conscience and International Day of Hope celebration was held on April 2, 2025, at the UN Office in Vienna. Former heads of state, ambassadors, permanent representatives to the UN in Vienna, and distinguished guests attended the " World Leader Summit of Love and Peace." (AP Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence on implementing aggressive tariff measures has impacted the global economy. On April 7, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced that the EU will begin imposing tariffs on U.S. imported goods in two phases: the first batch starting on April 15 and the second batch starting on May 15. These retaliatory tariffs will target a range of U.S. imports in response to previous U.S. trade restrictions on European products. Earlier, von der Leyen stated that the EU remains open to tariff negotiations but is also prepared for retaliation, having previously proposed zero tariffs on industrial goods to the U.S.

Last week, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars and announced on April 2 the imposition of a 10% baseline tariff on goods sold to the U.S. from more than 180 countries and regions. High reciprocal tariffs were also set for about 60 countries. The baseline tariffs went into effect at midnight Eastern Time on April 5 (12:00 PM Taipei time), while the reciprocal tariffs will be imposed at midnight Eastern Time on April 9 (12:00 PM Taipei time).

A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that the tariffs will cover key U.S. export industries, including agricultural products, steel and aluminum products, and machinery, with tariffs reaching up to 25%. The spokesperson emphasized, "Our actions are a legitimate response to unfair trade measures, in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules."

The U.S. had previously imposed additional tariffs on several European products, citing protection of domestic industries and national security, which sparked strong dissatisfaction within the EU. The EU’s trade commissioner pointed out that the retaliatory measures are aimed at defending European businesses and workers' interests, urging the U.S. to restore constructive trade dialogue as soon as possible.

The escalation of tariffs has raised concerns in the European business community, with many companies worried about rising costs and disruptions in the supply chain. A German exporter said, "We hope both sides can return to the negotiating table to prevent the trade war from escalating."

At the same time, the EU stated that if the U.S. is willing to remove the relevant trade restrictions, the EU would adjust its measures accordingly.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, AWC Vice President and FOWPAL President, hosts the AWC 50th Anniversary Celebration in Vienna on April 1, 2025–World Citizenship Day.

On April 4, South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the impeachment case against President Yoon Suk-yeol, following his brief declaration of martial law late last year. As a result, the country is required to elect a new president within 60 days. According to government officials, a preliminary decision has been made to hold the presidential election on June 3. Acting President Han Duck-soo is expected to propose the date during the regular Cabinet meeting on April 8, at which point the election date will be finalized and announced.

Under South Korea’s Constitution and the Public Official Election Act, the presidential election must be held within 60 days after the Constitutional Court declares the removal of the president. Additionally, the election date must be announced at least 50 days before the vote. If June 3 is confirmed as the election date, prospective candidates must register by May 11, and the official campaign period would begin on May 12. Once the new president is confirmed, they will take office immediately.

Meanwhile, there had been speculation that Yoon would vacate the presidential residence on April 9. However, a presidential office official stated that preparations for his departure are underway, but the exact date and his next residence have not yet been determined. Sources suggest that, considering security arrangements and the preparation of his private home, Yoon may leave the official residence as early as this weekend.

On April 5, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he will hold a trilateral summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Israeli military resumed its operations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities stated that the renewed offensive aims to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages while also escalating strikes in Lebanon and Syria.

Macron wrote on social media platform X: “In response to the emergency situation in Gaza, I will participate in a trilateral summit with King Abdullah II during my visit to Egypt, at the invitation of President Sisi.” Macron is expected to arrive in Cairo on the evening of April 6 and meet with President Sisi on the morning of April 7. According to Macron’s office, the trilateral summit will take place in Cairo on the same day.

On April 8, Macron will also visit the port city of El-Arish in Egypt, where he will meet with humanitarian and security personnel, reaffirming his commitment to “continue mobilizing efforts for a ceasefire.” El-Arish, located about 50 kilometers west of the Gaza Strip, serves as a key transit hub for international aid entering Gaza.

After U.S. President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs and additional auto tariffs, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on the 5th that he is actively in talks with the U.S. and may hold a phone call with Trump as early as next week.

President Trump recently announced the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on various countries, including a 24% tariff on Japanese goods and a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, which could have a significant impact on the Japanese economy. According to NHK, on the 4th, Ishiba held a cross-party leaders' meeting at the National Diet Building that lasted around 50 minutes.

Later, in an interview with Yomiuri TV, Ishiba said: “I hope to have a phone call with President Trump next week. I want him to understand how much Japan can contribute to revitalizing American manufacturing and creating jobs.” Regarding how to negotiate with the U.S., Ishiba emphasized that merely seeking an exemption for Japan would not be viable. Instead, Japan will propose a comprehensive plan that may include discussions on liquefied natural gas (LNG), automobiles, agriculture, and security.

When asked whether Japan would impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, Ishiba responded, “What would happen to the global economy if we engaged in retaliatory tariffs? We must consider Japan’s national interest. Rather than talking about retaliatory tariffs, we should emphasize that Japan is the largest investor in the United States, unlike countries that neither invest in nor create jobs in America.”

As for measures to address rising prices, Ishiba was asked whether lowering the consumption tax rate would be included in his party’s platform for this summer’s House of Councillors election. He replied that various options are being considered, but emphasized that any tax cuts would require careful consideration of how to secure funding for social welfare programs.

Media reports indicate that on April 3, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed several members of the National Security Council (NSC), including National Security Agency (NSA) Director and Cyber Command Chief Timothy Haugh, and Deputy Director Wendy Noble. Following her removal, Noble was reassigned to the Pentagon’s Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Neither Haugh nor Noble were given specific reasons for their dismissal. However, sources revealed that Trump acted on the advice of external advisors and far-right figures such as Laura Loomer, believing these officials were insufficiently loyal. As a result, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to remove them from their positions.

Haugh, who was appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden, had been cautious in public appearances. After Trump took office, officials within his administration were wary of Haugh due to differences in leadership style between him and the new appointees.

In addition to the NSA Director and Deputy Director, two other NSC members were dismissed on March 23. These individuals were primarily responsible for intelligence, congressional affairs, and technical security issues. Media reports suggest this is the first wave of dismissals, with at least 10 NSC members expected to be fired by the end of the second round.

Neither the White House nor the U.S. Department of Defense have confirmed or responded to the reports. Both the Cyber Command and the NSA have declined to comment. However, reports indicate that William Hartmann, the Deputy Commander of Cyber Command, will temporarily take over as NSA Director, while Sheila Thomas, the NSA’s Executive Director, will serve as the Acting Deputy Director.