I should be quite happy with observer status without speaking rights.
The move from observer status to membership can take several years.
Still, the move from observer status to full membership can take years.
I think Turkey will be given that observer status next year.
All but one of the states joined the program; Pennsylvania has observer status.
East Timor also does not hold observer status in the group.
New Zealand became a full member in 1991 after previously having observer status.
These conservatives are apparently concerned about the more limited observer status as well.
The three Baltic states sent a minister with observer status to the new committee.
Observer status is considered a stepping stone to full membership.