PHNOM PENH – A non-political representative of Myanmar was invited by Cambodia to join a meeting of regional ministers later in the month, instead of Myanmar’s military-appointed foreign Minister.

Cambodia holds the current chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Late last year, the surprise was that Myanmar’s military junta were barred from crucial meetings after the group failed to respect a ceasefire.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Su had tried to reconnect with the military junta, and had stated that he was open to inviting its leaders back to the meetings of the 10-member bloc.

According to Chum Sounry, the spokesperson for Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry, there was no consensus among ASEAN members on whether Wunna Maung Lwin should be invited. This is due to lack of progress in the Peace Plan.

Chum Sounry stated that Myanmar was encouraged to have a representation at the retreat on a non-political basis rather than leaving it empty.

Unofficial spokesperson of Myanmar’s military junta didn’t return calls seeking comment.

On February 16, and 17, 2018, the ministerial meeting will take place in Cambodia.

According to the United Nations’ human rights office, Myanmar is in crisis after the military overthrew the elected government one year ago. Around 1,500 civilians were killed by the junta’s crackdown against its opposition.

In the country, troops are also fighting with various pro-democracy organizations and ethnic minority forces.

On Wednesday, Cambodia declared that it was deeply concerned by the reports of violence continuing in Myanmar as well as a worsening humanitarian situation.

It stated that ASEAN members states emphasize the urgent need for the cessation violence immediately and that all parties should exercise the utmost control.

However, tensions have persisted. Hun Sen met Min Aung Hlaing (military leader) in Myanmar on January 7, which was seen as Hun Sen’s endorsement of the junta.

Hun Sen was pressured to adhere to Min Aung Hlaing’s ASEAN peace deal and members demanded the release of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi who is currently on trial and be allowed to rejoin a peace-process.