On November 1, 2023, Argentine President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino after Argentina voted in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo on Cuba at the United Nations. Gerardo Werthein has been appointed as her successor. Since taking office, Milei has shifted Argentina’s foreign policy towards aligning with U.S. and Israeli interests, distinguishing Argentina from several Latin American countries that have opposed Israel’s actions in Gaza.
On November 1, 2023, Argentine President Javier Milei dismissed his foreign minister shortly after Argentina cast a vote at the United Nations General Assembly supporting the lifting of the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. Foreign Minister Diana Mondino has been replaced by Gerardo Werthein, Argentina’s current ambassador to the United States. The decision, announced by Milei’s spokesman Manuel Adorni, did not elaborate on the reasons behind the dismissal, although it occurred just hours following the vote. In total, 187 nations endorsed a resolution condemning the embargo, with only the United States and Israel opposing it. Since assuming office in December 2023, President Milei has moved Argentina’s foreign policy to closely align with U.S. and Israeli interests. Milei has shown unwavering support for the right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly in light of recent military actions in Gaza. This stance sets Milei apart from various Latin American nations, including Bolivia and Colombia, which have severed ties with Israel, and countries such as Brazil that have recalled ambassadors from Tel Aviv.
The dismissal of the foreign minister highlights the tensions within Argentina’s evolving foreign policy landscape. Since Javier Milei took office, there has been a discernible shift towards pro-U.S. and pro-Israel rhetoric, contrasting sharply with the positions held by many of his predecessors and Latin American peers. The vote in favor of terminating the U.S. embargo on Cuba reflects a more independent diplomatic stance that may not align with Milei’s broader pro-U.S. initiatives. This situation illustrates the complexities and challenges inherent in balancing domestic political pressures and international diplomatic relations in contemporary Latin America.
In conclusion, President Javier Milei’s dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino shortly after Argentina’s vote supporting the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba underscores a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy direction. The move reveals potential strains within the administration as it grapples with its alignment with U.S. and Israeli interests while also addressing regional dynamics in Latin America. As Argentina navigates these complex issues, the international community will be keenly observing how the administration balances these divergent positions.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
