The foreign affairs ministry of the National Unity Government (NUG) released a statement on 8 July claiming that the Myanmar Military Council is mocking efforts by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to resolve the Myanmar crisis.

The statement said that the ASEAN Special Envoy, Mr. Prak Sokhonn, had been eager to resolve the issue during his visit to Myanmar however had not been to do so due to the lack of cooperation from the Military Council.

“How long will it take to endure the brutal acts of disgrace on ASEAN leaders by the brutal military regime before the right path can be set,” NUG Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung asked, referring to the efforts of the ASEAN Special envoy.

Cambodia's current Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has only five months left of his ASEAN Special Envoy term.

In a statement, ASEAN Chair Hun Sen said he was welcomed when he visited Myanmar straight after assuming the role of ASEAN chair. Later he publicly called on the junta to release Australian economist Sean Turnell and to drop its plans to execute political prisoners. On both occasions, his initiatives were rebuffed. And Special Envoy Prak Sokhonn, having repeatedly requested to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, was forced to watch the junta transfer the State Counselor to solitary confinement in prison
immediately before his visit.

“Recognizing ASEAN's cooperation with the National Unity Government (NUG) is not only an ethical requirement but also a politically prudent move, and it is in the best interests for ASEAN,” the NUG Foreign Minister said.

The NUG promised to continue expanding its complete collaboration with Prak Sokhonn, the ASEAN Special Envoy.

Prak Sokhonn paid a second visit to Myanmar from 29 June to 3 July, meeting only with the junta and not with the opposition pro-democracy forces.

ASEAN's attempts to resolve the Myanmar crisis by approaching the Military Council have been criticized by local and international political players.