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Obama calls on world to unite against terrorism after Brussels terror attacks

Xinhua, March 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged the world to unite against terrorism in a speech broadcast live across Cuba shortly after the terrorist attacks in Brussels, capital of Belgium.

At the beginning of his speech delivered at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater in Havana, the capital of Cuba, alongside Cuban leader Raul Castro, Obama made an aside to condemn the terrorist attacks in Brussels Tuesday morning, which left at least 34 people dead and 200 more injured.

"I want to comment on the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Brussels. The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium and we stand in solidarity with them," said a solemn President Obama. "We will do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally, Belgium, in bringing to justice those who are responsible."

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

After this, he returned to matters between the U.S. and Cuba, stating that the U.S. would move past five decades of failed policies, and urged U.S. Congress to lift the embargo on Cuba.

President Obama arrived Havana, Cuba, Sunday, in a historic visit that could mark the beginning of a new era in U.S. relations with its neighbor after more than 50 years of Cold War-era animosity.

During a meeting held Monday between President Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro, Castro warned that the U.S. embargo imposed on Cuba is still in the way of the normalization of ties. "The blockade remains in force. It contains discouraging elements and intimidating effects," said Castro.

"Much more could be done if the blockade was lifted," he said, adding that measures taken by the Obama administration are positive but insufficient.

Obama's visit to Cuba, the first by a sitting U.S. president since 1928, which ended Tuesday, is the culmination of diplomatic efforts since Obama and Castro agreed in December 2014 to restore diplomatic ties and end half a century of hostility between the two countries. Endit