Lebanon's Jumblatt apologizes to Damascus

BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 15 (UPI) -- Lebanon's fiery socialist leader Walid Jumblatt apologized to Syrian President Bashar Assad for derogatory comments he made in 2007.

Jumblatt, the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, in 2007 referred to the Syrian president as a "dictator" and an "Israeli product."

Jumblatt severed his relationship with Damascus following international pressure on Syria in the wake of the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in downtown Beirut.

Several Lebanese lawmakers, including Jumblatt, accuse Syria of playing a role in the 2005 assassination of Hariri. Damascus is alleged to have played a role in the 1977 death of Jumblatt's father, Kamal, as well.

Jumblatt, a former member of the Western-backed March 14 coalition, told al-Jazeera his comments were made out of anger and were inappropriate.

"My remarks were indecent, out of context and go beyond the political manners," he said.

Jumblatt, echoing sentiments expressed in January, said he would consider a visit to Damascus in an effort to improve bilateral ties.

Lebanese relations with Syria are strained, though both countries exchanged ambassadors in 2009. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri is expected to visit Damascus this year.