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tend to agree with the editorial (Bring Timor Leste to ASEAN, the Post, March 7) in encouraging the admission of Timor Leste to ASEAN. The arguments of one or two members to delay Timor Leste’s admission are not new.

They made the same classic arguments in delaying the admission of Vietnam in 1995.

They said, “Let Vietnam reach the level of comfort we have now, then we can admit it.” But, Indonesia did not give up and managed to convince the other members to support Indonesia’s initiative, leaving them to follow suit.

Now look what benefits we have with Vietnam’s membership and the others in ASEAN. In fact, it was those two countries that benefitted more than Indonesia. So go ahead.