Argentinian President Javier Milei announced on Monday his decision to remove "all" representatives from the country's Foreign Ministry who voted at the United Nations in favor of ending the embargo on Cuba. He declared them "traitors to the nation" after dismissing Argentina's top diplomat, Diana Mondino, on October 30, replacing her with former U.S. ambassador Gerardo Werthein.
In an interview with journalist Amalia 'Yuyito' González, who is also his partner, Milei reiterated that the president sets the nation's foreign policy. Therefore, his administration is exploring the legal means to dismiss all involved, as reported by EFE.
Last week, Argentina joined 186 other countries in voting for the end of the embargo on Cuba. Despite the overwhelming majority, the resolution supporting the Cuban dictatorship carries no legal weight. Nevertheless, it serves as a pretext for Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime to hide its inefficiency, which has driven 89% of Cuban families into extreme poverty and caused 1.3 million Cubans to live abroad while holding residency on the island.
Argentina's Shift in Foreign Policy
This wasn't Argentina's first time supporting the resolution against the Cuban embargo. However, following Milei's victory, he aligned Argentina's vote against the Cuban Communist Party, echoing the positions of the United States and Israel.
For the 32nd consecutive time, the United Nations passed a resolution last week demanding an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The Cuban dictatorship celebrated the 187 votes in favor. There were two votes against, from the U.S. and Israel, and a surprising abstention from Moldova.
U.S. Embargo: A Long-Standing Controversy
In September, President Joe Biden signed the extension of the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba until 2025, a measure that has been in place for 60 years. The Cuban regime blames this embargo for the hardships it imposes on its people. However, the restrictions only partially affect Cuba's relations with one country: the United States. Cuba is free to trade with 192 of the 193 United Nations member countries.