Argentina’s President Dismisses Foreign Minister Post-Cuba Embargo Vote

Argentina’s President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino after the country voted at the U.N. to end the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. This vote, supported by 187 nations, comes amid Milei’s alignment of foreign policy towards the U.S. and Israel and follows his endorsement of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Gerardo Werthein has been appointed as the new foreign minister.

On Wednesday, Argentina’s President Javier Milei dismissed his foreign minister shortly after the nation cast its vote at the United Nations in favor of lifting the United States’ economic embargo on Cuba. The ousted Foreign Minister, Diana Mondino, has been succeeded by Gerardo Werthein, who previously served as the Argentine ambassador to the U.S. This abrupt change in leadership came just hours following a critical moment in international diplomacy, where 187 countries, including Argentina, supported a resolution condemning the embargo, while only the United States and Israel opposed it. President Milei, who has been in office since December 2023, has shifted Argentina’s foreign policy to align more closely with the interests of the U.S. and Israel. Furthermore, President Milei has openly supported the right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a stance that diverges sharply from the positions of many Latin American nations that have distanced themselves from Israel, including Bolivia and Colombia.

The recent dismissal of Argentina’s Foreign Minister occurs in a rapidly evolving political landscape for the country under President Javier Milei. Since taking office, Milei has focused on reorienting Argentina’s foreign policy towards the United States and Israel, a marked change from previous administrations that engaged with Cuba and other Latin American nations on differing principles. The U.N. General Assembly resolutions highlight the global consensus against the U.S. embargo on Cuba, reflecting a significant portion of international opinion. Milei’s decision follows a trend among some Latin American leaders who are re-evaluating their diplomatic relations, particularly in the context of current geopolitical tensions in the region.

In summary, President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino shortly after Argentina’s vote supporting the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba underscores the administration’s intent to recalibrate its foreign policy alignment towards the United States and Israel. This action illustrates the increasing polarization in international relations, particularly within the context of Latin America, where some countries continue to challenge U.S. policy while others reinforce their ties to the American geopolitical strategy.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com