Bush, Clinton chat for Canadian audience

TORONTO, May 29 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton told a Canadian audience Friday they did not realize passports will be required soon at the border.

The two ex-presidents appeared friendly during a "moderated conversation" at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported. They discussed Afghanistan, Iraq, AIDS in Africa and other issues they both tackled.

Beginning Monday, citizens of both countries must have either a passport or enhanced driver's license to enter the United States from Canada. The requirement was adopted under the Bush administration.

"I'll be frank with you Frank, I don't know about the passport issue," Bush responded to a question from moderator Frank McKenna.

McKenna, who has served both as ambassador to the United States and premier of New Brunswick, generally avoided hot topics like the treatment of detainees. He did ask the presidents if Iraq was a "distraction" from the conflict in Afghanistan.

About 400 protesters outside the convention center carried signs and chanted slogans denouncing Bush, Clinton and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.