The Argentinian government has suspended dialogue with Iran, heralding a shift in policy that coincides with improved relations with Israel.
The government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is understood to have taken the measure after becoming frustrated with the lack of progress achieved in a controversial investigation into the 1994 Amia bombing. Last year, the two countries agreed to form a joint truth commission to examine the attack on the Amia Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires.
No one has ever been convicted over the attack, in which 85 people were killed and 300 injured, but the finger of accusation has long been pointed at Iran.
Argentina has the largest population of Jews in Latin America, many of whom were infuriated by the announcement of the joint investigation. However, according to sources cited by the Argentine daily La Nación, Foreign Minister Hectór Timerman has admitted that dialogue with Iran stalled some time ago and has been suspended since December.
