However, as the negotiations progressed in 2005, they evidently encountered, in the words of the Joint Media Statement of the September 2005 consultations between the ASEAN and CER Economic Ministers, "a number of difficult issues, particularly regarding the coverage and scope of the FTA" in the light of the "broad range of interests and the diverse economic circumstances of the twelve participating countries". Nevertheless, progress was being made not only in the negotiations but also in the understanding of the issues involved.