Argentina's President, Javier Milei, has dismissed his foreign minister, Diana Mondino, following the country's vote in favor of lifting the US economic embargo on Cuba at the United Nations.
In a recent UN resolution, Argentina joined 186 other nations in supporting the non-binding measure, while only the US and Israel voted against it. This marks a significant shift in Argentina's foreign policy, as it is the first instance since Milei took office that the country has not aligned itself with the US and Israel.
Gerardo Werthein, the ambassador to Washington, has been appointed as Mondino's successor. In a statement, President Milei's office emphasized Argentina's firm opposition to the "Cuban dictatorship." Under the previous left-leaning Peronist government, Argentina maintained close ties with Cuba and advocated for the end of the US-imposed embargo, which dates back to the 1960s when Cuba embraced communism.
Cuba has historically supported Argentina's claims over the Falkland Islands, a British territory that was the center of a brief but intense conflict in 1982. In outlining his administration's foreign policy, Milei's office declared, "The country is going through a period of profound changes, and this new stage requires that our diplomatic corps reflect in each decision the values of freedom, sovereignty, and individual rights that characterize Western democracies."
The statement further asserted that Argentina is resolutely opposed to the Cuban regime and will pursue a foreign policy that condemns any government responsible for human rights violations.
In recent months, tensions have reportedly been rising between Milei and the foreign ministry over various issues. Despite her dismissal, Mondino was regarded as crucial to maintaining Argentina's international image, often working to ease tensions after President Milei's remarks had upset other nations.
The US trade embargo against Cuba was first established in 1962, following Fidel Castro's rise to power, with the goal of pressuring Cuba to abandon socialism in favor of capitalism and democracy. However, the embargo has not achieved its intended results and remains a contentious issue between Washington and its regional neighbors.
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