Indonesia to fight for Timor-Leste's membership in ASEAN

Jakarta, July 30 (Antara) -- Indonesia will continue to fight for Timor-Leste's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by raising the issue at the 48th Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur from August 3 to 6, an official said. "Indonesia will keep raising the issue of Timor-Leste's membership. It is time for ASEAN to consider adding the country as a member," Director of Dialog Partners and Interregional Dialog of the Joint ASEAN Directorate General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry M. I. Derry Aman said here on Thursday. He added that since the subject was first brought up, Indonesia has been the first country to support Timor-Leste's participation in ASEAN because it is located in the Southeast Asian region, as well. "Indonesia's position is clear as the first country to propose adding Timor-Leste as a member of ASEAN. In view of this, Indonesia will continue to raise the issue," he stated, adding that this will also show the country's consistency in supporting Timor-Leste's membership in the regional association. According to Aman, no consensus had been reached so far among member states of ASEAN regarding granting membership status to Timor-Leste. "Indonesia will continue to push for it. We have yet to reach a consensus, but there are future prospects with regard to what we have to do," he remarked. The ministry official further noted that a study was being conducted to check Timor-Leste's readiness to become a member of ASEAN. It covers the fields of politics, security, social affairs, culture and economy. "Based on the results of the study, a decision will be made on whether Timor-Leste can join ASEAN. What is certain is that Indonesia will not stay silent about it. The study must be completed posthaste," he emphasized. So far, Timor-Leste has had the status of a guest country at ASEAN meetings. Aman also pointed out that the government of Timor-Leste understands the current processes of the association, and it has prepared itself to be able to join ASEAN. "Indonesia, as the initiator, will not stay silent. This issue needs to be discussed. Indonesia's commitment is clear. In the future, Timor-Leste will become a member of ASEAN," he asserted.