Argentinian Milei Fires Foreign Minister Due to US Voting Embargo in Cuba

Argentinian President Javier Milei fired Foreign Minister Diana Mondino on Wednesday. United Nations The decision aims to lift the economic embargo imposed by the USA on Cuba.

In the unexpected move, Mondino was replaced by Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, Gerardo Werthein, as spokesman Manuel Adorni confirmed on social media.

The announcement did not specify the reasons for Mondino’s dismissal, but it came after a controversial vote at the meeting. UN General Assembly.

The Presidency later released a statement explaining that the impeachment was directly related to the vote. “Our country is absolutely against this practice” Cuban dictatorshipMilei’s office said it would remain committed to promoting a foreign policy that condemns all regimes that repeatedly violate human rights and individual freedoms.

While the resolution against the US embargo received support from 187 countries, only the US and Israel opposed it.

Change in Foreign Policy Direction

Milei has changed since taking office in December 2023 Argentinaaligning its foreign policy more with US and Israeli interests.

He openly supported the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuDuring his government’s military actions in Gaza, it stood in sharp contrast to much of Latin America.

Countries such as Bolivia and Colombia have severed ties with Israel, while Brazil and others have also severed ties with Israel. Tel Aviv ambassadors recalledIt reveals a regional distinction on this issue.

news week Reached out to Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs via email for comment.

Diana Mondino’s Troubled Tenure

Mondino’s short tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs was marred by controversy. Last week, his office withdrew the press release because it mistakenly used the term “Falklands” instead of “Malvinas”, the name used for the disputed region in Argentina.

He previously faced backlash in May for comments during a visit to China in which he stated that “all Chinese people look the same”.

These events contributed to the perception of instability in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Internal Audit Planned for the Ministry of Foreign Relations

Following Mondino’s departure, Milei’s administration announced plans for an internal audit at the State Department.

The aim is to identify individuals who support agendas that conflict with the government’s stance on freedom and human rights.

The effects of these changes on foreign relations are not yet known as Argentina navigates this transition period. Milei government In a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, it is preparing to redefine its international stance in terms of its relations with both its traditional allies and enemies.

This article contains reporting from the Associated Press