Argentina’s Foreign Minister Dismissed Following Support for UN Resolution to Lift U.S. Embargo on Cuba

Argentina’s President Javier Milei fired Foreign Minister Diana Mondino after the nation supported a UN resolution to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba, marking a significant departure from traditional foreign policy stances. Gerardo Werthein has been appointed as the new foreign minister. This decision coincided with a broader diplomatic strategy as Argentina seeks to navigate its position amid existing alliances with the U.S. and Israel.

On Wednesday, President Javier Milei of Argentina dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following the country’s decision to support a United Nations resolution advocating for the lifting of the long-standing U.S. embargo on Cuba. This action represents a notable shift in Argentina’s foreign policy under Milei’s administration, marking the first occasion on which the nation has diverged from the positions held by the United States and Israel, both of which opposed the resolution. The vote in favor of ending the embargo was supported by 186 other UN member states, whereas only the United States and Israel voted against it, with Moldova abstaining from the vote. In response to the dismissal, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni announced via social media that Mr. Gerardo Werthein, the former Argentine ambassador to the United States, would assume the role of the new foreign minister. Following the announcement of Mondino’s removal, President Milei shared a retweet from a legislator who expressed pride in a government that does not support dictatorships, exclaiming, “Viva CubaLibre.” Historically, Argentina has aligned with votes opposing the U.S. embargo against Cuba, which has been in place since 1962. Reports from local media suggest that this diplomatic alignment could complicate future negotiations, particularly concerning Argentina’s sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands, given the necessity of garnering support from Cuba and its allies.

The United States has imposed an economic embargo on Cuba since 1962, primarily in response to the Cuban Revolution and subsequent communist policies. This embargo has been a point of contention in international relations, with many countries arguing that it hampers the economic well-being of the Cuban populace. Argentina has traditionally stood against this embargo, calling for its abolition. President Javier Milei’s decision to support the UN resolution to lift the embargo signifies a pivotal change that could influence Argentina’s relationships within Latin America and its historical alliances, as the United States and Israel are key partners in the region. The sacking of Foreign Minister Mondino highlights the administration’s commitment to a more independent foreign policy.

In summary, President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following Argentina’s vote to support the lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba underscores a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy alignment. By departing from traditional stances, Argentina seeks to navigate its diplomatic relations more independently, although this may complicate future engagements, particularly regarding its claims over the Falkland Islands. Mr. Gerardo Werthein’s appointment as the new foreign minister indicates the administration’s continued efforts to realign its foreign policy in accordance with its new stance.

Original Source: www.france24.com