Philippines Urges ASEAN To Call For Peace In Lebanon
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Manila, Philippines (AHN) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday urged members of the Assocaition of Southeast Asian Nations to stand as one in calling for peace and "cessation of violence by all parties" in Lebanon during the live Web-cast to mark the 39th foundation day of the 10-nation regional grouping Millions of ASEAN nationals were believed to have watched the live Web-cast. In her speech Arroyo said, "We ask our ASEAN neighbors to join us in calling for peace in the Middle East and cessation of violence by all parties. She also reiterates her government's continued assistance to repatriate the 30,000 Filipinos, mostly migrant workers, who were still trapped in the war-torn Lebanon. The president said ASEAN must voice their concern for peace in the Middle East as there were an estimated two million overseas Filipino workers were currently working in the region. "We will work for the protection of migrant workers in all corners of the earth ...In this time of crisis, we will share with our ASEAN neighbors our government apparatus, which keeps track of overseas workers and takes care of their needs," Arroyo said. She also cites the series of natural disasters which hit the region and where ASEAN members displayed their willingness to assist one another. She called for "initiatives that would make ASEAN a shining institution that cares for its people |
