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

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has fired his foreign minister, Diana Mondino, shortly after the nation voted at the U.N. against the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The new foreign minister is Gerardo Werthein, the ambassador to the U.S. This dismissal aligns with Milei’s foreign policy shift towards U.S. and Israeli interests amidst ongoing regional tension related to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has dismissed his foreign minister, Diana Mondino, shortly after the nation cast its vote at the United Nations in favor of ending the United States economic embargo on Cuba. In her stead, the post will be filled by Gerardo Werthein, who currently serves as Argentina’s ambassador to the U.S., as confirmed by Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni. The announcement coincides with a significant decision made during the U.N. General Assembly where 187 countries, including Argentina, supported a resolution condemning the U.S. embargo, while only the United States and Israel opposed it. President Milei, who assumed office in December 2023, has notably shifted Argentina’s foreign policy closer to U.S. and Israeli interests and has openly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a position that diverges from the stances of several other Latin American nations that have distanced themselves from Israel.

The recent dismissal of Argentina’s foreign minister comes amid a critical shift in the country’s foreign policy under President Javier Milei. Since taking office, President Milei has focused on realigning Argentina’s international relations to be more in favor of U.S. and Israeli interests, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The vote against the U.S. embargo on Cuba represents not only a significant diplomatic move but also highlights the complexities of Milei’s administration, which is trying to balance domestic and international pressures. As other Latin American countries have taken stances opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza, Milei’s firm support for Netanyahu’s government underscores the divergent paths taken by regional leaders.

In conclusion, the dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino by President Javier Milei marks a significant turning point for Argentina’s foreign policy. Reflecting his administration’s alignment with U.S. and Israeli positions, the country’s recent vote to end the U.S. embargo against Cuba plays into the complex dynamics at play in Latin America, where diplomatic ties are being re-evaluated in response to contemporary global issues. This development may indicate a broader trend in Milei’s government, focusing on strengthening ties with the West while distancing from traditional allies in the region.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com