Global climate pact involving India, China achievable: McCain

LONDON: US Republican Presidential nominee John McCain on Thursday expressed confidence that a global greenhouse gas reduction deal which include India and China can be achieved, saying no agreement can be effective in tackling climate change unless they include the two Asian giants.

"I'm convinced that if we work at it, that we will be able to convince India and China that it is in their interest to be part of a global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," McCain, who is on a visit to the UK, said after meeting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

"We will not have a global agreement that is effective unless India and China are a part of it."

The two men held bilateral talks covering a range of issues including climate change, reform of international institutions, the global economy and the current situation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

McCain's visit to Britain was part of a week-long tour of the Middle East and Europe.

The Republican leader thanked the UK for its contribution to Iraq and paid tribute to the "common values" of Britain and the US.

He also said the situation in Iraq has "improved dramatically over the last year".