East Timor President José Ramos-Horta has firmly rejected the Myanmar military council’s objection to his country’s planned membership in ASEAN. The military council had sent a letter to ASEAN Chair Malaysia requesting the suspension of Timor-Leste’s membership process, claiming that Timor-Leste’s engagement with the National Unity Government (NUG) violates ASEAN’s principle of non-interference in member states’ internal affairs.
President Ramos-Horta dismissed the military council’s objection as completely unreasonable, stating that Timor-Leste’s path to ASEAN membership has already been firmly established. He confirmed that his country is set to be officially welcomed as a full member during the ASEAN Summit in October. While Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, may respond to the military council’s objection, preparations for Timor-Leste’s membership continue to move forward. The President emphasized that the decision to accept Timor-Leste as an ASEAN member was clearly stated in recent declarations and formal announcements.
Thailand, an ASEAN member state, has also expressed its support for Timor-Leste becoming the 11th member of the regional organization, despite the military council’s objections. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s ASEAN Affairs Department, confirmed that ASEAN leaders had already decided on Timor-Leste’s membership during their summit in May. He stated that Thailand fully supports this decision and stands by the formal resolution made at the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit. The upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for July 8-11, will further discuss matters related to Timor-Leste’s membership.
The Timorese government has consistently supported Myanmar’s democracy movement and officially recognizes the National Unity Government. Timor-Leste has also permitted the NUG to establish a representative office in the country, demonstrating its commitment to supporting democratic forces in Myanmar. This stance reflects Timor-Leste’s broader support for democratic principles and human rights in the region, despite the military council’s attempts to prevent its ASEAN membership on these grounds.
