McCain touts free trade while in Colombia

BOGOTA, July 2 (UPI) -- Free trade and better U.S.-Colombian relations headlined discussions between Sen. John McCain and his host, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.

McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, met with Uribe Tuesday on the first leg of McCain's three-day trip to South America and Central America, CNN reported Wednesday.

The Arizona Republican pointed out the difference on trade he has with his likely Democratic challenger, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

"Free trade is an important issue, not only for Colombia, but, I believe, for the economy of the world and ... for the U.S. economy," McCain said at a news conference in Bogota with Uribe.

McCain and Obama differ on the Colombian Free Trade Agreement, which would eliminate some tariffs and other barriers to commerce to broaden U.S.-Colombian trade. McCain supports it; Obama opposes it, saying the Colombian government is suspected of sanctioning violence against opposition, unions and labor groups.

McCain acknowledged "human rights abuses by the paramilitaries" and said abusers must be brought to justice.

"But I balance that against Uribe and his administration's rescue of Colombia from a failed state status," he said. "You got to stand on principle. I believe in the principle of free trade."