Calgary (Canada), Mar. 18 : Former US President George W Bush has said that he does not want spend his retirement criticizing his successor Barack Obama.

"He [Obama] was not my first choice for president, but when he won I thought it was good for the United States of America. I was deeply touched and I was deeply moved when I saw African Americans on TV weeping and saying, `I never thought it was possible,''" the Globe and Mail quoted Bush, as saying during a luncheon speech here.

"I want the President to succeed. I love my country more than politics. I''m not going to spend my time criticizing him. There are plenty of critics in the arena. He deserves my silence and if he wants my help he can pick up the phone and call me," Bush added.

Bush also defended his decision to invade Iraq, saying: "risk takers," not government are needed to salvage the world economy.

Bush was greeted with a standing ovation when he took the podium by close to 2,000 guests who paid 4,000 dollars per table.

"This is my maiden voyage. My first speech since I was the president of the United States and I couldn''t think of a better place to give it than Calgary, Canada," he said to applause.

The invite-only event titled a "Conversation with George W. Bush" was banned to the press and organizers were coy about providing details leading up to the event.

But organizers had no trouble filling seats at the 195 tables. Security was tight.

For 43 minutes, Bush delighted the audience with stories about life as commander in chief and now as a civilian. (ANI)