McCain calls for more vigorous U.S. diplomacy

By Tim Gaynor

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain, looking to chart an independent course on U.S. foreign policy, called on Wednesday for a more vigorous international diplomacy and a new effort to rebuild frayed relations with allies.

Distancing himself from the sometimes unilateral diplomatic approach of President George W. Bush, McCain said the United States needs to live up to its responsibilities as a world leader and become a "model citizen" in the global community.

"The United States cannot lead by virtue of its power alone," the Arizona senator, back from a trip to Iraq, the Middle East and Europe, said in a speech to the World Affairs Council in California.

"Our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want, nor should we assume we have all the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed. We need to listen to the views and respect the collective will of our democratic allies," McCain said.

McCain, who has been criticized by Democrats for hewing too closely to the policies of Bush, his fellow Republican, acknowledged the damaged U.S. image around the globe after five years of the Iraq war.

"Leadership in today's world means accepting and fulfilling our responsibilities as a great nation. One of those responsibilities is to be a good and reliable ally to our fellow democracies," he said.

McCain slammed both of the two Democrats seeking to become their party's candidate in the November election, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, for advocating quick withdrawals from Iraq.

He also signaled he would have a more hands-on approach than Bush in working for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.