March 17, 2009
CALGARY — About 60 Calgary police officers kept between 200 and 300 protesters at bay outside the building where former U.S. president George W. Bush was scheduled to make a speech.
The protesters were mainly peaceful, although one demonstrator was arrested when he tried to force his way into the building.
He shouted that Mr. Bush was a war criminal and claimed he wanted to make a citizen's arrest.
Guests are lining up in Calgary to hear Mr. Bush talk about his eight years in office and challenges currently facing the world.
It's one of the first public appearances Mr. Bush has made since leaving the presidency in January with a dismal approval rating and much of the blame for his country's collapsing economy.
He's to address a business luncheon for up to 1,500 people invited by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
A couple of hundred people lined up early to go through a special security screening room before entering the Convention Centre where Mr. Bush is speaking.
A few have said that Mr. Bush has to take some of the responsibility for what has happened in the U.S., but also has the right to talk about his administration.
Protesters are also gathering with plans to toss shoes at pictures of the former president, who they say should be arrested as a war criminal over allegations of torture at military prisons in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay.
The Canadian Press
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