President Javier Milei of Argentina dismissed Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino after her vote in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo against Cuba at the United Nations. Milei, who is pro-United States, has chosen Gerardo Werthein as her replacement to reinforce his administration’s foreign policy stance.
On Wednesday, Argentine President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino following her affirmative vote in the United Nations advocating for the lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. This decision aligns with Milei’s pro-United States stance, established since he assumed office in late 2023, and his administration’s intent to maintain distance from leftist regimes within Latin America, notably Cuba and Venezuela. The United Nations General Assembly had overwhelmingly passed a non-binding resolution earlier the same day, urging the United States to terminate its long-standing sanctions against Cuba. Notably, the only opposing votes were cast by the U.S. and Israel. President Milei has expressed a desire for Argentina to align its diplomatic efforts closely with that of the U.S. and Israel, and he publicly endorsed a lower house lawmaker who commended his administration for its refusal to support what he termed “dictators”. Gerardo Werthein, previously Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, has been appointed to replace Mondino as the new Foreign Affairs Minister, as announced by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni. Mondino, who was among the initial cabinet appointments under Milei’s administration, played a significant role in maintaining diplomatic relations despite Milei’s critical remarks regarding countries such as Brazil and China. Reports indicate that during a lunch, President Milei was informed by Werthein about Argentina’s vote concerning the embargo on Cuba, which provoked irritation from the president, according to local news outlet TN. In a related context, earlier in the year, Argentina’s state oil company, YPF, declared its decision not to supply fuel to the Cuban airline Cubana. This decision resulted in the suspension of a long-standing flight route between Havana and Buenos Aires, which had been operational for nearly 40 years. The Cuban foreign ministry articulated that Argentine officials had cited the U.S. embargo as a justification for this action.
This incident unfolds within a broader geopolitical framework characterized by shifting allegiances among countries in Latin America. Since the emergence of Javier Milei as President of Argentina, there has been a tangible pivot towards policy positions that favor partnerships with the United States and Israel, eschewing relations with nations ideologically opposed to these allies. The historical context of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, which has been in place for decades and actively contested by numerous countries at the U.N., further adds complexity to the region’s diplomatic landscape.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino serves as a clear statement regarding Argentina’s foreign policy direction under his administration. By replacing Mondino after her support for lifting the U.S. embargo against Cuba, Milei emphasizes his commitment to aligning Argentine policy with that of the United States and Israel, while simultaneously distancing himself from leftist governments in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
