Argentina’s President Javier Milei dismissed Foreign Minister Diana Mondino shortly after the country voted in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo on Cuba at the U.N. This change reflects Milei’s pivot towards closer ties with U.S. and Israeli interests, diverging from other Latin American countries that have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
On Wednesday, Argentina’s President Javier Milei dismissed his Foreign Minister, Diana Mondino, shortly after the nation supported a United Nations resolution advocating for the cessation of the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. The announcement regarding the dismissal was made by Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, who stated that Mondino would be replaced by Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, Gerardo Werthein. Although Adorni did not provide specific reasons for this abrupt change, the timing coincided with Argentina’s affirmative vote, alongside 186 other nations, against the longstanding U.S. embargo. The only opposing votes came from the United States and Israel. Since assuming office in December 2023, President Milei has shifted Argentina’s foreign policy to align more closely with U.S. and Israeli interests. He has openly expressed support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This stance diverges from the broader sentiment in Latin America, where countries such as Bolivia and Colombia have severed diplomatic ties with Israel, and additional nations, including Brazil, have withdrawn their ambassadors in response to Israel’s actions.
The recent diplomatically significant vote at the United Nations regarding the U.S. embargo on Cuba has highlighted shifting perspectives and alliances within international relations. Historically, Argentina has oscillated between alignment with U.S. policies and more left-leaning approaches under different administrations. President Javier Milei’s government represents a shift towards the right-wing political spectrum, which has significantly influenced foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel. In contrast, numerous Latin American nations are increasingly distancing themselves from Israel following recent military actions.
The dismissal of Argentina’s Foreign Minister represents a critical moment in the country’s foreign policy trajectory, particularly in the context of the recent U.N. resolution against the U.S. embargo on Cuba. President Milei’s alignment with U.S. and Israeli interests coupled with his dismissal of a minister who diverged from this approach signifies an intention to reinforce a more cohesive and directionally consistent foreign policy.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
