Reinaldo Gargano

Exile

Born in Paysandú, Uruguay on July 26, 1934, Gargano went into exile in Spain in 1974 following a coup d'état. He returned to Uruguay several years later.

Socialist Party Leader; Senator

Gargano has been President of the Socialist Party of Uruguay (PSU) since 2001. He has served as a member of the Uruguayan Senate since 1984.

Foreign Minister of Uruguay

He served as the Foreign Minister of Uruguay from March 2005 until March 2008, in the government of the President of Uruguay Tabaré Vázquez.

Relations with Cuba and Venezuela; trade issues

On 1 November 2004 Gargano said, "Our people will warmly welcome the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and Cuba."

As Foreign Affairs Minister in the first government of the Frente Amplio Gargano favored a stronger integration of Uruguay in the Mercosur, and opposed any free trade agreement with the US on ideological grounds. Gargano also promoted the close alignment of Uruguay with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and his anti-American "Movimiento Bolivariano" league of nations which include Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Arms from Iran controversy

In 2007 a pressing issue arose for Gargano's Foreign Affairs Ministry, when the loading of Iranian arms onto a Uruguayan Navy vessel visiting Venezuela, in contravention of a UN-sponsored arms embargo provoked international comment.

Resignation

Gargano resigned from the Government of President Tabaré Vázquez in March 2008. He was succeeded as Foreign Minister by Gonzalo Fernández.

Death

Gargano died on February 5, 2013, in Montevideo at the age of 79 after months of heart problems. He is buried at Parque del Recuerdo cemetery.