Argentina’s President Dismisses Foreign Minister Following U.N. Vote on Cuban Embargo
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino after the country voted at the U.N. to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Mondino is replaced by Gerardo Werthein, while Milei’s foreign policy indicates a stronger alignment with U.S. and Israeli interests, contradicting the positions of several Latin American nations.
In a significant political shift, Argentinian President Javier Milei has terminated the appointment of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino mere hours after the nation expressed its support for a United Nations resolution aimed at abolishing the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. The announcement, made by Milei’s spokesperson Manuel Adorni on his X account, revealed that Mondino would be succeeded by Gerardo Werthein, Argentina’s current ambassador to the United States. Although detailed explanations for this abrupt ministerial change were not provided, it is noteworthy that the decision was announced shortly after Argentina joined 187 other nations in condemning the embargo endorsed solely by the United States and Israel. Since President Milei took office in December 2023, he has notably realigned Argentina’s foreign policy to better reflect U.S. and Israeli interests. He has publicly voiced unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the ongoing conflict involving Gaza. This stance signifies a sharp contrast to the positions adopted by several Latin American countries, including Bolivia and Colombia, which have cut diplomatic ties with Israel and numerous others, such as Brazil, that have recalled their ambassadors from Tel Aviv.
The dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino comes against a backdrop of Argentina’s recent vote at the United Nations General Assembly, where it supported a resolution against the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. This change in Argentina’s diplomatic stance highlights President Milei’s assertive pivot towards U.S. and Israeli foreign policy priorities, as he has been favoring a more right-leaning political alignment since his election. His administration’s approach stands in stark contrast to the more progressive foreign policies of several neighboring nations in Latin America, which have increasingly opposed Israeli actions in Gaza and distanced themselves from U.S. influence.
The dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino by President Javier Milei underscores a significant political realignment within Argentina following a pivotal UN vote regarding the U.S. embargo on Cuba. As Argentina navigates its foreign relations under Milei’s leadership, the country appears poised to adopt a more pro-U.S. and pro-Israel stance, diverging sharply from prevailing sentiments in the broader Latin American region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
