Argentina’s President Dismisses Foreign Minister Following Vote Against U.S. Embargo on Cuba

Argentina’s President Javier Milei dismissed his foreign minister, Diana Mondino, following the country’s vote at the U.N. supporting the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Mondino was replaced by ambassador to the U.S. Gerardo Werthein. This action reflects Milei’s intention to align Argentina’s foreign policy more closely with U.S. and Israeli interests, differing from the prevailing regional attitudes amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

On Wednesday, Argentina’s President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino shortly after the country cast its vote at the United Nations in favor of lifting the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. The announcement of her replacement by Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, Gerardo Werthein, was communicated by Milei’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, via his account on social media platform X. Although Adorni did not provide specific reasons for Mondino’s dismissal, it is noteworthy that her removal occurred just hours after the Argentine representative aligned with the overwhelming majority of 187 nations in support of a resolution condemning the U.S. embargo, with only the United States and Israel opposing it. Since assuming office in December 2023, President Milei has shifted Argentine foreign policy to align more closely with the interests of the United States and Israel. This includes a pronounced endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly concerning his administration’s actions in Gaza, which diverges sharply from the positions taken by several other Latin American countries that have expressed solidarity with Palestine by severing ties with Israel or recalling ambassadors.

The recent dismissal of Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino by President Javier Milei underscores a significant shift in Argentine foreign policy. Milei, who took office in December 2023, has aimed to realign Argentina more closely with U.S. and Israeli interests. His administration’s decision to support the U.N. resolution against the U.S. embargo on Cuba is noteworthy, especially against the backdrop of Milei’s previously stated foreign policy positions. This vote represents a departure from typical regional attitudes, as many countries in Latin America have been critical of U.S. foreign interventions. Furthermore, Argentina’s diplomatic approach has also diverged from the prevailing trends within Latin America regarding relations with Israel, specifically in light of ongoing conflict situations in Gaza. This context highlights the complexities and potential conflicts inherent in Milei’s governance regarding international relations.

In summary, President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, occurring shortly after Argentina’s vote in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo on Cuba at the U.N., signals a pivotal moment in Argentine foreign policy. This change aligns with Milei’s broader strategy to reposition Argentina’s international relationships to favor the United States and Israel, marking a distinct departure from previous diplomatic stances prevalent in Latin America. The implications of this shift will likely resonate throughout the region as Argentina navigates its newly aligned foreign policy objectives.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com