Timor Leste eager to join ASEAN

Timor Leste eager to join ASEAN

AUSTRALIA: Timor Leste President Xanana Gusmao said his tiny
impoverished country was eager to join the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"We place a high priority on becoming a member of ASEAN,"
Xanana said during an official visit to Australia's capital,
Canberra, on Tuesday.

East Timor gained independence from ASEAN member Indonesia
following a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999 that was marred by
violent rampages by Jakarta-backed militias, and is considered
one of the world's poorest nations.

Australia is also seeking closer economic links with the
regional group.

Xanana, who was to meet Prime Minister John Howard in Sydney
on Wednesday, said his half-island nation, which lies just to the
north of Australia, wanted to strengthen its ties with Canberra
and Jakarta. -- AP