The Counselor to the Lao Embassy in Bangkok, Mr. Souvanna Phougnavong, says freedom for the former Lao government official, imprisoned since 1990 on subversion charges, depends on whether or not he has changed his way of thinking or his behavior.
Mr. Souvanna was reacting to UNESCO's appeal last week for the release of Mr. Latsamy. UNESCO is concerned the political prisoner will not be freed at the end of his 14-year sentence in 2004.