BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said a televised interview Saturday comments he made about Syria's president Bashar al-Assad in 2007 had been "inappropriate" and "came at a moment of anger."
The remarks by Jumblatt, once one of Syria's fiercest critics, came amid reports of an expected visit by him to Damascus for talks with al-Assad.
Once a prominent figure in the U.S.- and Saudi-backed "March 14" alliance, Jumblatt three years ago described al-Assad as "monkey, snake and a butcher" in a rally that marked the second anniversary of the killing of ex-premier Rafik al-Hariri, blamed by many on Syria.
"In a moment of anger I said inappropriate and illogical comments against him (Assad). Can Syria overcome this page and open a new page? I don't know," ho told al-Jazeera television.
Jumblatt had been one of the strongest critics of Syria's ally Hezbollah group, but adopted a more conciliatory approach after the Shi'ite group and its allies briefly took power in Beirut in 2008.
The Druze are an offshoot of Islam, comprising less than 10 percent of Lebanon's population. They have traditionally punched above their weight, leading a major revolt against French mandate rule in the 1920s.
Lebanon's ties with Syria hit rock bottom after the "March 14" alliance, led by Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, accused Syria of assassinating Rafik al-Hariri, in February 2005. They also said Damascus was responsible for attacking and killing other politicians and journalists.
Syria denies the allegations. A special court has yet to indict anyone for the killing.
Outrage in Lebanon over the assassination and international pressure forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon in April 2005, ending three decades of military presence in its smaller neighbour.
Rapprochement between Syria and Saudi Arabia last year eased tension and allowed Hariri, who won a parliamentary election in June, to form a unity government that included Hezbollah and other Damascus allies.
Asked whether he will visit Syria anytime soon, Jumblatt said :"I cant decide myself, if the Syrian leadership overcame this (the 2007 comments) and sends an invitation then I don't mind."
(Writing by Mariam Karouny, editing by Matthew Jones)
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