Gusmao Discussed Timor Leste Application To Join Asean

JAKARTA (Bernama) - Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who
visited the Asean Secretariat, here Wednesday, took the opportunity to exchange
views with Asean Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan on the country's recent
application to join the regional grouping.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Timor Leste was making active efforts to
prepare itself for the Asean membership as peace and the political situation in
the country had now been secured, the Asean Secretariat said in a statement.

Gusmao noted that Asean had vast experience in human resource development,
which was crucial to the success of nation-building and development in Timor
Leste.

This success, among others, had inspired Timor-Leste to join Asean as soon
as possible, it said.

The Prime Minister also cited Indonesia’s support for Timor Leste’s quest
for the Asean membership.

Meanwhile, Dr Surin had informed him that Indonesia had conveyed its
application to all other Asean Member States, requesting them to give “urgent
attention” to this issue.

Under the Asean Charter, admission of a new member shall be decided by
consensus by the Asean Summit upon the recommendation of the Asean Coordinating
Council (consisting of all the 10 ASEAN Foreign Ministers).

Gusmao was accompanied by Foreign Minister Zacarias da Costa, Economy and
Development Minister Joao Goncalves and the Ambassador to Indonesia Manuel
Serrano.

The Prime Minister also informed Dr Surin that Timor Leste would hold the
presidential and parliamentary elections in March 2012 and June 2012
respectively, following which the United Nations peacekeepers will begin to
leave and end their operations.