Malaysian Reiterates Support For Timor-Leste To Join Asean

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya NUSA DUA (BALI), Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reiterated its support for Timor-Leste to become the 11th member of Asean. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman has expressed Malaysia's support for Timor-Leste's official application to join the regional grouping at the ninth meeting of the Asean Coordinating Council here Thursday. Malaysia, he said, is of the view that Timor-Leste's application should be favourably considered as the country meets the geographical criteria stipulated in the Asean charter. Timor-Leste lies between Indonesia and Australia. During the discussion on Timor-Leste's application, Asean foreign ministers agreed to further deliberate on all relevant aspects related to the application as well as its possible implications on Asean. Timor-Leste, which has been attending Asean summits as an observer, also has the strong backing of Indonesia for it to join the regional grouping. Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa has said that Timor-Leste is an undeniable part of Southeast Asia -- geographically, politically and economically. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has also expressed Indonesia's support for Timor-Leste to join Asean. Timor-Leste became independent in May 2002 following a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999 when its people voted in favour of separation from Indonesia. It was previously a Portuguese colony. Indonesia has since helped Timor-Leste to develop the infrastructure needed to facilitate its entry into Asean. -- BERNAMA