Lebanon's Aoun sees 'civil war' climate as critics boycott meeting

Demonstrators hold a makeshift Lebanese flag during a protest against government performance and worsening economic conditions near the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon June 25, 2020. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

BEIRUT (Reuters) - President Michel Aoun warned on Thursday of an "atmosphere of civil war" during recent unrest in Lebanon and what he described as attempts to stir up sectarian tensions as a financial crisis sweeps the country.

Aoun, a Maronite Christian, was speaking at a meeting that he said was called to protect civil peace but which was boycotted by opponents including Sunni Muslim leader Saad al-Hariri and other ex-prime ministers who said it a waste of time.