By Prak Chan Thul

(Reuters) – The honour guard in Myanmar welcomed Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, while a red carpet was laid in his honor. This happened at the same time as demonstrations in protest by opposition coup leaders broke out elsewhere in the country.

Two-day talks were held with Myanmar’s military leaders. It was the first visit by a head government to Myanmar since Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratically elected president of Myanmar, was overthrown on February 1, 2013. This led to months of protests in Myanmar and an armed crackdown.

Cambodia holds the current position of chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It has been spearheading diplomatic efforts in Myanmar to solve the crisis. In April, it adopted a five point “consensus peace plan” that included five points.

Other ASEAN nations, including Indonesia, expressed dismay at the failure of the junta to implement the plan.

Myanmar’s military rulers are being attacked by those who claim Hun Sen has made the trip to support the junta.

Depayin is located about 300 km (186 mi) north the capital Naypyidaw. Protesters toppled a poster with the Cambodian prime minster and demanded that “Hun Sen don’t visit Myanmar.” Photos from social media show that we don’t want Hun Sen as dictator.

Protests were reported in Mandalay, the Tanintharyi-Monywa region and also the second city.

Hun Sen demanded that all parties in Myanmar restrain themselves and follow the peace plan.

“Brothers from Myanmar, are you willing to let your country be a victim of civil war?” He said.

Joko Widodo (NYSE:), Indonesian President, stated in tweets that there had been no substantive progress with the peace plan. Only non-political representatives should be permitted at ASEAN meeting.

Min Aung Hlaing (junta leader) was denied entry to an ASEAN summit on October due to his inability stop hostilities, permit humanitarian access, and begin dialogue. This agreement with ASEAN is effective as of October.

Hun Sen said last month that officials from the junta should be permitted to attend ASEAN meetings, further indicating divisions within the 10-member bloc.

Min Ko Naing (a leader activist in Myanmar) stated that Hun Senator would face protests for his visit in a Facebook post. This could hurt ASEAN.

Hun Sen has been one of the most prominent leaders for a long time. Western countries as well as human rights organizations have condemned his actions in cracking down on civil rights groups, opponents and the media from Cambodia.

Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Research Emerlynne Gil said the trip risked sending mixed messages to Mynamar’s military leader and Hun Sen should instead lead ASEAN to strong action to address the country’s “dire human rights situation”.

Hun Sen plans to meet Min Aung Hlaing the military leader. However, Radio Free Asia funded by America reported that an aide of the junta stated that Suu Kyi would not be meeting him. Suu Kyi is currently being tried in a number of cases carrying combined sentences exceeding 100 years.