Milei Dismisses Foreign Minister Following UN Vote on Cuba Embargo

President Javier Milei has terminated Foreign Minister Diana Mondino’s position after Argentina voted to condemn the U.S. embargo on Cuba at the United Nations. Her successor, Gerardo Werthein, currently serves as the Argentine Ambassador to the U.S. The Milei administration’s vote marks a significant deviation from previous foreign policy, aiming to align more closely with Cuba and its regional allies while promoting human rights.

President Javier Milei has dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following Argentina’s recent vote at the United Nations to condemn the United States’ longstanding embargo on Cuba. In a move signaling a shift in foreign policy, Mondino, who was 66 years old, will be succeeded by Gerardo Werthein, currently the Argentine Ambassador to the United States. Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni announced this change on the social media platform X. The President’s office released a statement underscoring Argentina’s opposition to the Cuban dictatorship, asserting that the country will uphold human rights and individual freedoms internationally. Furthermore, the communiqué mentioned an impending audit of the Foreign Ministry’s career staff to identify those allegedly promoting agendas contrary to these values, suggesting Mondino had resigned due to pressures from the administration. This decision marks a significant turning point, as it followed weeks of speculation about Mondino’s performance and her absence from official foreign trips taken by President Milei, often accompanied by his sister and chief-of-staff, Karina Milei. The immediate catalyst for her removal appears to be the Milei administration’s unprecedented vote aligning against the United States’ blockade during a recent UN General Assembly session. This resolution, overwhelmingly supported with 187 votes, called for an end to the economic blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba and represented a moral victory for the Cuban government, despite its non-binding nature and anticipated limited real-world implications. Notably, this was the first instance since Milei took office that Argentina did not support the positions of the United States and Israel. All other nations from Latin America and the Caribbean unanimously voted in favor of Cuba’s stance, and local press indicated that aligning with Cuba might be strategically beneficial for Argentina concerning its claims over the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands. Just weeks prior to this reshuffling, President Milei had dismissed Argentina’s ambassador to the UN and had encouraged the diplomatic community to adhere to his government’s new foreign policy directives. Gerardo Werthein, who assumes the role of Foreign Minister, is also recognized as a businessman and serves as a vice-president of the International Olympic Committee.

The article discusses a significant political shift within the Argentine government led by President Javier Milei. It is rooted in the broader context of Argentina’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to the United States and Cuba. The recent UN resolution condemning the U.S. embargo on Cuba has catalyzed changes in the Milei administration, demonstrating a departure from Argentina’s historical alignment with U.S. policies. Foreign Minister Diana Mondino’s dismissal not only reflects administrative discord but also underscores Milei’s intention to redefine Argentina’s diplomatic stance in Latin America and the international community, prioritizing human rights and opposition to authoritarian regimes.

In conclusion, the dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino by President Javier Milei following Argentina’s UN vote against the U.S. embargo on Cuba highlights a notable shift in the country’s foreign policy. This decision represents a departure from Argentina’s traditional alignment with the U.S. and Israel, signifying a closer relationship with Cuba and its allies in the Latin American region. The appointment of Gerardo Werthein as the new Foreign Minister suggests a continuation of this trajectory, as Milei seeks to redefine Argentina’s role on the global stage amidst ongoing tensions with powerful nations.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar