In a speech held at the same time as President Barack Obama’s televised speech announcing a normalization of relations with Cuba, Cuban dictator Raul Castro urged Obama to use “executive action” to bypass Congressional policy on Cuba.

USA Today’s Gregory Korte first caught the comments:

Raul Castro urges President Obama to use “executive action” to lift congressionally imposed sanctions on Cuba. — Gregory Korte (@gregorykorte) December 17, 2014

While President Obama has the power to make certain changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, the trade embargo was codified by Congress in the 1990’s. “I look forward to engaging Congress in an honest and serious debate about lifting the embargo.” Obama said during his midday address. (VIDEO: Charlie Rangel On Cuba Deal: ‘I’ve Never Been More Proud Of Being An American’)

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