McCain reiterates opposition to troops withdrawal from Iraq

Source: Xinhua | 03-27-2008 13:15

LOS ANGELES, March 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain said here Wednesday that the United States needs to work more closely with other countries and restore its image as a world power.

US Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain (R-AZ) stands with Major Gordon Hilbun (R), McCain's  vehicle commander in Haditha, Iraq, on March 16, 2008.  Picture taken March 16, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

"We can't build an enduring peace based on freedom by ourselves, and we do not want to," McCain said in a speech to members of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

In his speech entitled "U.S. Foreign Policy: Where We Go From Here," the Arizona senator also reiterated his stance that U.S. troops should not be withdrawn from Iraq.

McCain, who recently toured the Middle East and Europe, said the United States must do more to collaborate with democratic nations.

"The United States cannot lead by virtue of its power alone," he said, "we need to listen to the views and respect the collective will of our democratic allies."