Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, who voted “Yes” for the draft resolution demanding the lifting of the US economic and commercial embargo on Cuba at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, was dismissed upon the order of President Javier Milei.
In a statement made by the Argentine Presidential Spokesperson, it was announced that Mondino was dismissed and Gerardo Werthein was appointed as the new Foreign Minister. The statement said that Argentina’s foreign policy had undergone a “profound” change, adding that “Our country is categorically opposed to the Cuban dictatorship and will continue to condemn all regimes that continue to violate human rights and individual freedoms.” Werthein, who also served as Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, was Argentina’s Ambassador to Washington. Argentina had historically always voted “Yes” in the UN General Assembly to lift economic sanctions against Cuba. According to news published in the local press, the Milei government made this decision in order not to conflict with the policies of the US and Israel and on the grounds that it was in the country’s best interests. WHAT HAPPENED? The UN General Assembly had accepted the bill requesting that the US end the embargo on Cuba. The decision was passed by 187 votes, against 1 “abstain” and 2 “no” votes. The US and Israel voted “No”, while Moldova voted “Abstained”. The resolution called for the US to end its “economic, commercial and financial” embargo on Cuba.
