Milei Dismisses Foreign Minister Following UN Vote Against U.S. Embargo on Cuba
President Javier Milei has terminated Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following Argentina’s vote at the UN to condemn the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Gerardo Wertheim, the current Ambassador to the U.S., is appointed as her successor. The decision reflects a notable shift in Argentina’s foreign policy and internal pressures regarding Mondino’s performance. The UN resolution, overwhelmingly supported, calls for an end to the embargo, marking a surprise departure from Argentina’s traditional alignment with the U.S. and Israel.
President Javier Milei has dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following Argentina’s controversial vote at the United Nations, where the nation condemned the United States’ long-standing embargo on Cuba. Mondino, aged 66, will be succeeded by Gerardo Wertheim, the current Ambassador to the United States. Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni announced the change via the social media platform X, stating, “The new foreign minister of Argentina is Mr. Gerardo Werthein.” In an official communique from the Office of the President, it was asserted that Argentina “categorically opposes the Cuban dictatorship” and intends to uphold a foreign policy that denounces any regime that violates human rights. The communiqué also indicated that the executive branch would conduct an audit of foreign ministry staff to identify those promoting agendas against freedom. It was noted that Mondino had “presented her resignation” amidst internal government unrest regarding her performance. Mondino’s dismissal follows her absence during recent foreign trips with President Milei, who has been accompanied by his sister, Karina Milei, in her place. The UN vote, in which the Milei administration supported a resolution to end the embargo against Cuba, is seen as a pivotal factor in the decision to remove Mondino. The Casa Rosada confirmed that it was this vote that led to her immediate dismissal. Following the announcement, President Milei retweeted a message from a lawmaker expressing pride in a government that opposes dictatorships, stating, “Viva CubaLibre.” The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for an end to the U.S. blockade of Cuba, garnering 187 votes in favor, with only the U.S. and Israel opposing the motion. The resolution represents a significant diplomatic victory for Cuba but is unlikely to have a substantial physical impact given its non-binding nature. This vote marks a departure from Argentina’s traditional alignment with the U.S. and Israel, leading to surprise among analysts who expected Milei to maintain a more pro-U.S. stance. All nations in Latin America and the Caribbean supported Cuba during this vote, emphasizing regional solidarity against the embargo. Domestic sources indicated that opposition to U.S. and Israeli positions poses diplomatic challenges for Argentina, particularly concerning its longstanding territorial claims over the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands, necessitating support from Cuba and its allies in potential future resolutions.
The recent political shift in Argentina marked by President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino sheds light on the complex international relations dynamics within Latin America. The country voted to condemn a U.S.-imposed embargo on Cuba at the United Nations, breaking from its historical alignment with American interests. This vote, supported by the majority in the UN General Assembly, reflects a broader sentiment in Latin America and the Caribbean against the blockade, which has been in place for over sixty years. President Milei’s government, which had previously been expected to uphold its pro-American stance, decided instead to align more closely with regional allies, potentially factoring in the implications for Argentina’s sovereignty claims over the Malvinas Islands in engaging with Cuba and its partners. Mondino’s dismissal, amidst internal government scrutiny and her absence in foreign diplomacy, illustrates the precarious nature of political alliances and the priorities of the Milei administration.
In conclusion, President Javier Milei’s decision to dismiss Foreign Minister Diana Mondino underscores a significant shift in Argentina’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to Cuba and broader Latin American solidarity. The government’s recent actions signal a departure from previous diplomatic norms, favoring alignment with regional partners over traditional allies such as the United States and Israel. This transition highlights the internal and external pressures shaping Argentina’s diplomatic strategies moving forward. Additionally, the new appointment of Gerardo Wertheim as foreign minister indicates a potential shift in priorities as the administration seeks to reinforce its commitment to promoting human rights and opposing authoritarian regimes.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
