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Argentina’s President Dismisses Foreign Minister Following U.N. Vote on Cuba

Argentina’s President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino after the country voted in favor of ending the U.S. embargo on Cuba at the U.N. General Assembly, replacing her with Ambassador Gerardo Werthein. The vote garnered support from 187 nations, contrasting with Milei’s alignment with U.S. and Israeli interests, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict.

President Javier Milei of Argentina has relieved his foreign minister of duties shortly after the country cast its vote in favor of lifting the United States’ economic embargo on Cuba at the United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Minister Diana Mondino has been succeeded by Gerardo Werthein, who previously served as Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, as announced by Milei’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, on the social media platform X. The dismissal occurred in the wake of a significant vote on Wednesday, where 187 countries, including Argentina, supported a resolution condemning the U.S. embargo against Cuba. Only the United States and Israel opposed the resolution. Since assuming office in December 2023, President Milei, who advocates libertarian policies, has shifted Argentina’s foreign relations to more closely align with U.S. and Israeli interests. Notably, he has expressed unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amidst increasing violence in Gaza, a position that stands in contrast to the sentiments of several other Latin American nations. Countries such as Bolivia and Colombia have severed diplomatic relations with Israel, while at least five others, including Brazil, have recalled their ambassadors in protest.

The dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino by President Javier Milei is indicative of the shifting foreign policy landscape in Argentina, particularly regarding its stance on the U.S. embargo of Cuba. Under Milei’s leadership, Argentina has aligned itself more closely with the foreign interests of the United States and Israel, a significant pivot from previous administrations. The U.N. resolution to condemn the embargo showcases a collective sentiment among the majority of nations in support of Cuban sovereignty and opposition to U.S. economic sanctions. This decision also underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics in Latin America, where attitudes towards Israel and the United States are contentious and vary widely.

In summary, President Javier Milei’s decision to terminate Foreign Minister Diana Mondino following Argentina’s vote against the U.S. embargo of Cuba highlights his administration’s commitment to a foreign policy that favors U.S. and Israeli interests. The swift change in leadership within the Foreign Ministry may reflect internal tensions regarding foreign policy direction, especially amidst a climate where many Latin American nations are reevaluating their relations with Israel. This incident will likely influence Argentina’s diplomatic engagements moving forward and could provoke further discourse within the region regarding international relations and foreign policy frameworks.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

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