Venidora Oliveira – Timor-Leste is unlikely to be admitted to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2015.

Foreign Affairs and Co-operation deputy minister Constbncio da Conceicao Pinto said the government had approached ASEAN member nations and worked towards ticking off the admittance criteria.

"I think it will not be next year," Pinto said. "It will depend on the ASEAN members; if they decide to allow us in next year, we are ready to accept," he said.Timor-Leste has recently been allowed to sit in on ASEAN technical meetings as a part member.

Singapore has raised concerns that Timor-Leste lacks sufficient depth in its human resources pool to become a full member of ASEAN. Concerns over currency are another stumbling block.

Member of Parliament Josefa Alvares Soares said the difficulties showed the government most devote more effort to improving institutions and strengthening the nation's economy.

"We must fix the economy and look at our laws; are they strong?" she asked. Strong laws would encourage investment, she said.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/capital/13080-timor-leste-unlikely-to-join-asean-in-2015