President Barack Obama has called on the U.S. Congress to lift the Cuban embargo and abandon the policy that has benefited no one in Cuba or in the U.S.

Belgium Terror Attack

Obama first commented on the terrorist attacks in Brussels, which killed at least 30 people at an airport and a metro train station on Tuesday morning. Obama said the U.S. stands in solidarity with the people of Belgium and will do anything to bring to justice to those responsible for the terror attacks.

"And this is yet another reminder that the world must unite, must be together regardless of nationality, or race or faith in fighting against the scourge of terrorism," Obama said. "We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of the people all around the world."

Todos Somos Americano, We Are All Americans

Obama addressed the Cuban population from the Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso in Habana Vieja, or Old Havana. He spoke about the progress in diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba since relations were officially renewed in December 2014, as well as steps for the future.

"I have come here to bury the last remnant of the Cold War in the Americas. I have come here to extend the hand of friendship to the Cuban people," said Obama.

Obama, on his final day in Cuba, said he offers the Cuban people a hand of peace. Acknowledging Havana is only 90 miles south of Florida, he pointed out the many barriers crossed to get to the three-day trip, including ideology and historical difference.

Obama said there was a simple motivation behind renewed diplomatic relations now, adding the American Cold War policy of isolation no longer made sense in the 21st century.

"The [Cuban] embargo was only hurting the Cuban people instead of helping them. ... I believe in the Cuban people. This is not just a policy of normalizing relations with the Cuban government, the United States of America is normalizing relations with the Cuban people," said Obama.

The president, speaking about the future between the U.S. and Cuba, said he's hopeful for relations because the Cuban people are as innovative as the rest of the world. He recognized Cuba's education system, which provides access to both boys and girls, and how the Cuban government has opened itself to the world.

"As president of the United States, I have called on our Congress to lift the embargo," Obama said, which garnered a standing ovation. "It is an outdated burden on the Cuban people, it's a burden on the Americans who want to work and do business or invest here in Cuba. It's time to lift the embargo."

But even if the embargo was lifted, Obama said, change must also occur within the island. He called for improved opportunity for individuals to open businesses, as well as greater Internet access. Obama believes sustainable prosperity in the 21st century involves education, healthcare and environmental protection but also the exchange of free and open ideas.

Obama said he is aware his remarks may be "sensitive" to hear, especially coming from a U.S. president, but he wanted to speak honestly on what he and Americans believe.

"I can't force you to agree but you should know what I think. I think that every person should be equal under the law. Every child deserves the dignity that comes with education and healthcare and food on the table and a roof over their heads. I believe the citizens should be free to speak their mind without fear, to organize and to criticize their government and to protest peacefully. And that the rule of law should not include arbitrary detentions and people who exercise those rights," Obama said. He also said citizens should be free to practice religion and choose their governments in free and democratic elections.

Obama said conversations with President Raul Castro included the latter acknowledging U.S. flaws, such as economic inequality, the death penalty, racial inequality and wars abroad, but Obama added he welcomes such open debate and dialogue.

"I'm not afraid of it," Obama said.

Cuba, Democracy and the 2016 Election

He also spoke about the ongoing U.S. presidential elections and how they are shaping democracy. Obama acknowledged two Cubans have campaigned for the Republican Party's presidential ticket, referring to Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas.

"You had two Cuban Americans in the Republican Party running against the legacy of a black man who is president while arguing they are the best candidate to beat the Democratic nominee who will either be a woman or a Democratic socialist. Who would have believed that in 1959? That's a measure of our progress as a democracy," Obama said.

Speaking to Castro, who was in attendance, Obama said the Cuban leader should not feel any sense of threat from the U.S. or from the diverse voices of the Cuban people. Obama said he's hopeful Cubans will make the right decisions and play a role in the region and the international community.

Obama's three-day trip to Cuba started on March 20. With his family and mother-in-law, Obama met with Castro and with Cuban entrepreneurs and civil society. Following his remarks in Cuba, Obama will travel to Argentina.

Reaction from the House's Highest-Ranking Latino

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., has been traveling with Obama and found Cubans to be appreciative of the president's visit.

"President Obama just said he came to Cuba to 'bury the last remnants of the Cold War.' One generation closing the chapter of the former," Becerra said in a statement following Obama's address. "'We should not fear change. We should embrace it.'"

Becerra, congressman for California's 34th Congressional District, said he sensed the attendees in the Gran Teatro were likely anxious rather than nervous for Obama's speech. He added that many were also hopeful and anticipate an opening for "authentic" opportunities.

Based on talks with Cubans, Becerra also found that there is interest for further U.S.-Cuban interactions, which includes the hope that Congress repeals the embargo and return Guantanamo Bay to the island's control.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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Update: 3/23/16: Article amended to include statement from Rep. Xavier Becerra.

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