Argentina’s President Dismisses Foreign Minister After Supporting UN Resolution on Cuba

President Javier Milei of Argentina sacked Foreign Minister Diana Mondino after the country voted in favor of a UN resolution to lift the US embargo on Cuba. This marks Argentina’s first dissonance from US and Israeli positions under Milei’s leadership. Gerardo Werthein has been appointed as the new foreign minister. The decision raises concerns about future diplomatic relations, especially regarding Argentina’s sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands.

On Wednesday, President Javier Milei of Argentina took the significant step of dismissing Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following Argentina’s vote at the United Nations to support a resolution calling for the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba. This decision is noteworthy as it marks the first occasion during President Milei’s administration where Argentina has differed from the positions of both the United States and Israel, the only two countries that opposed the resolution. The UN resolution aimed to end the embargo that has been in place since 1962 against the communist government of Cuba and garnered overwhelming support, passing with votes from 186 member states, while Moldova chose to abstain. Following the announcement of Mondino’s termination, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni confirmed that Gerardo Werthein would replace her as Argentina’s new foreign minister. Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Werthein served as Argentina’s ambassador to the United States. Argentine media have reported that the move to support the resolution despite diplomatic ties with the US and Israel has raised concerns within the government, especially in light of Argentina’s ongoing claims over the Falkland Islands, a disputed territory currently under British control. President Milei demonstrated his stance on the matter by retweeting a lawmaker’s statement expressing support for a government that does not collaborate with oppressive regimes, declaring “Viva CubaLibre.” Historically, Argentina has opposed the embargo against Cuba, which adds further complexity to its current diplomatic positioning.

In a significant deviation from traditional Argentine foreign policy, President Javier Milei’s administration has taken a stance favoring the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, voting in accordance with 186 other nations at the UN. This resolution, which has been a point of contention since the embargo’s inception over six decades ago, illustrates Argentina’s evolving diplomatic relations and highlights the potential implications such a vote may have on its longstanding claims regarding the Falkland Islands. The change in foreign minister further underscores the internal challenges and adjustments faced by Milei’s government as it navigates its foreign policy objectives amid existing collaborations with Western allies, primarily the United States and Israel.

In conclusion, President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following Argentina’s vote supporting the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba underscores a significant shift in Argentine foreign policy. This development not only reflects a departure from alignment with the United States and Israel but also indicates potential diplomatic repercussions regarding Argentina’s claims on the Falkland Islands, stressing the delicate balance Milei’s administration must maintain in its international relations.

Original Source: www.france24.com