Ottava:  In a cross-border political attack, John McCain today said that Barack Obama's opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement is "nothing more than retreating behind protectionist walls."

The Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting added that if he wins the White House in the November election, "have no doubt that America will honor its international commitments - and we will expect the same of others."

McCain did not mention his Democratic opponent by name as he spoke before the Economic Club of Canada, a business organisation whose membership cheered his remarks.

His trip to Canada was unusual if not unprecedented for a presidential candidate, one that his campaign paid for yet aides insisted was not political.

Democrats criticised plans for a scheduled USD 100-per-person "finance event," and raised questions about US Ambassador David Wilkins involvement in the trip. McCain s aides said Wilkins had done nothing wrong. They also countered that the money was to pay the cost of the Economic Club luncheon - then canceled the event without explanation.

The free trade agreement is intensely controversial in the United States - supported by most businesses, opposed by many unions and has already emerged as a flashpoint in the presidential race.

McCain supports it, while Obama and former rival Hillary Clinton sought to appeal to working-class voters in their battle for the Democratic nomination by opposing it.

"Since NAFTA was concluded, it has contributed to strong job growth and flourishing trade. Since the agreement was signed, the United States has added 25 million jobs and Canada more than 4 million," McCain said.

Source : PTI