US Republican presidential contender has called the Iraq war "a great tragedy," yet still opposes a timetable for a US withdrawal.

John McCain's remarks came on the heels of a Senate vote which demands to begin pulling out troops by October 1.

"I read the polls… I understand the frustration and sorrow that American people feel about this war. It's a great tragedy," said McCain, who missed the Senate vote on the bill containing the withdrawal timetable.

Earlier in the day however, he warned against the severe consequences of US withdrawal. "If we leave Iraq, there will be chaos, there will be genocide, and they will follow us home," AP quoted McCain as saying.

The Arizona senator further described the war against al-Qaeda as "a struggle between good and evil."

On Thursday, the Senate followed the House's lead, passing legislation that would order President Bush to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq by October 1, despite an earlier veto threat by the president.

MRS/KB