Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Tuesday called on members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to join calls for a cease-fire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas.

In a speech to mark the 39th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, Arroyo said the Philippines have evacuated thousands of its overseas workers from Lebanon over the past few weeks.

She said the safety of millions of migrant workers in the Middle East, including 30,000 Filipinos in Lebanon, is at stake because of the on-going war.

"We have moved thousands to safety from the most harmful areas of south Lebanon. We ask our ASEAN neighbors to join us in calling for peace in the Middle East and a cessation of violence from all parties," she said.

She said ASEAN nations should cooperate with each other to ensure the safety and welfare of workers in Lebanon and other conflict-torn areas in the Middle East.

Arroyo also launched the logo and website of the 12th ASEAN Summit to be held from December 10 to 14 in Cebu, central Philippines.

The Philippines took over ASEAN chairmanship late last month.

High oil prices, the ASEAN Charter and terrorism are expected to be the main topics of the summit, which also includes a summit meeting of ASEAN countries and China, Japan and South Korea.