Milei Dismisses Foreign Minister Following Pro-Cuba Vote at U.N.
Argentine President Javier Milei has fired Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino after she voted in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo against Cuba at the United Nations. This decision reflects Milei’s pro-U.S. stance and desire to separate Argentina from leftist trade partners. Gerardo Werthein will succeed Mondino as Foreign Minister, following a significant U.N. resolution advocating for the end of U.S. sanctions on Cuba.
On Wednesday, Argentine President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino following her decision to support a resolution at the United Nations advocating for the lifting of the U.S. embargo against Cuba. Javier Milei, who identifies as a libertarian and assumed office in late 2023, has expressed a strong pro-United States stance and has sought to distance his administration from leftist governments in Latin America, particularly Cuba and Venezuela. Earlier the same day, the U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of urging the United States to terminate its longstanding sanctions against Cuba, a motion that met opposition solely from the U.S. and Israel. Milei has articulated his intention to align Argentina more closely with the policies of the U.S. and Israel, and he publicly praised legislators who have defended his administration’s refusal to support what he views as dictatorial regimes. Manuel Adorni, the presidential spokesperson, announced that Gerardo Werthein, previously serving as Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, would succeed Mondino as Foreign Minister. Mondino had been among Milei’s earliest cabinet appointments, instrumental in maintaining cordial diplomatic ties amid the President’s controversial remarks about Brazil and China. Tensions escalated when Werthein contacted Milei during lunch to inquire about Argentina’s stance on the embargo vote, prompting the President’s displeasure. In a related development earlier this year, Argentina’s state-owned energy firm YPF discontinued fuel supplies to the Cuban airline Cubana, which resulted in the suspension of a longstanding flight route between Havana and Buenos Aires, with Cuban officials citing the U.S. embargo as the rationale behind the decision.
The dismissal of Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino highlights the political tensions surrounding international relations in Latin America, particularly regarding Cuba and the United States. Under President Javier Milei, who is known for his libertarian views and strong alignment with U.S. policies, Argentina is distancing itself from historically left-leaning nations. The context of this development is provided by the U.N. General Assembly’s resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba. This event underscores the complex dynamics of Argentina’s foreign policy as it navigates its relationships with both traditional allies and neighboring countries with opposing political ideologies. Additionally, the earlier withdrawal of fuel support for a Cuban airline further illustrates the extent to which Argentina is implementing policies that align with U.S. interests, especially in the wake of Milei’s administration.
In summary, the removal of Diana Mondino from her position as Foreign Affairs Minister reflects President Javier Milei’s firm stance against supporting specific regimes, particularly as he seeks to reinforce Argentina’s alignment with U.S. policies. The recent U.N. vote to lift the embargo against Cuba has intensified the political climate and raised questions about Argentina’s diplomatic relations in the region. The appointment of Gerardo Werthein as the new Foreign Minister indicates Milei’s commitment to a foreign policy that prioritizes cooperation with the United States and Israel while distancing the nation from alliances with leftist governments.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
