Milei Dismisses Foreign Minister Following Her Vote on U.S. Embargo Against Cuba

Argentine President Javier Milei has fired Foreign Minister Diana Mondino after she voted in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo against Cuba during a U.N. meeting. This decision highlights Milei’s pro-U.S. stance and his administration’s distance from leftist allies. Gerardo Werthein has been appointed as the new foreign minister as part of this policy shift.

On Wednesday, Argentine President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino following her affirmative vote to lift the U.S. embargo against Cuba during a United Nations session. Milei, who has been a prominent advocate for libertarian principles and maintains a pro-U.S. foreign policy, is known for his critical stance toward leftist regimes within and outside of Latin America, especially Cuba and Venezuela. The vote occurred during a U.N. General Assembly meeting where a non-binding resolution to urge the U.S. to terminate its long-standing sanctions against Cuba was overwhelmingly supported by the majority of member states, with only the U.S. and Israel opposing it. President Milei, who advocates for alignment with the United States and Israel, shared a social media post from a member of Argentina’s lower house, lauding his administration for resisting support for authoritarian governments. The appointment of Gerardo Werthein, who previously served as Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, as the new Foreign Minister has been announced by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni. Mondino, having been one of the original members of Milei’s cabinet, had played a significant role in managing Argentina’s diplomatic ties with influential partners despite the president’s controversial statements regarding nations such as Brazil and China. The situation escalated further when President Milei was reportedly dining when he received a call from Mr. Werthein questioning Argentina’s vote on the embargo against Cuba, which displeased the president, as noted by local news sources. Earlier in the year, the Argentine state energy company YPF’s decision to stop fuel provisions for the Cuban airline Cubana led to a cessation of services on a route that had been operational for almost four decades, with Cuban officials attributing the justification to the U.S. embargo.

The recent political shift in Argentina under President Javier Milei, who took office in late 2023, reflects a broader trend towards a more pro-U.S. foreign policy, particularly in contrast to his predecessors who maintained more neutral or leftist alignments. Milei’s administration is characterized by clear demarcation from countries such as Cuba and Venezuela, indicative of a decisive pivot in Argentine diplomacy. The United Nations resolution to lift the embargo against Cuba has reignited discussions around international relations and the implications of U.S. sanctions, further complicating the regional diplomatic landscape for Argentina.

In conclusion, President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino for her vote to lift the U.S. embargo against Cuba underscores the administration’s strategic alignment with U.S. policies and its firm stance against leftist governments. The move signifies a potential reconfiguration of Argentina’s diplomatic relations as it navigates its foreign policy under Milei’s libertarian vision, prioritizing cooperation with the United States and distancing itself from traditional allies. The appointment of Gerardo Werthein as the new minister may indicate a continued push toward consolidating these foreign policy objectives.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com