Netherlands suspends aid to Suriname

The Netherlands has suspended development aid to Suriname in protest against

an amnesty legislation passed last week by the Suriname parliament.



The Netherlands is disgruntled over the controversial amnesty law which is seeking to grant immunity for 25 suspects including President Desi Bouterse for extra-judicial killings.



Over the next three years, Suriname was due to receive the remaining 20 million euros of the 1.6 billion euros in development aid pledged to the former Dutch colony when it gained independence in November 1975.



The Dutch Prime Minister said that the amnesty was unacceptable and warned that serious consequences would follow.



Just hours after the amnesty bill was sanctioned by the Suriname legislature, The Hague recalled its ambassador to discuss the matter.