The Netherlands plans to suspend all aid to its former colony of Suriname in protest at the amnesty for people suspected of killing 15 opponents of president Desi Bouterse, foreign minister Uri Rosenthal is quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Prime minister Mark Rutte warned last week the decision to pass the controversial amnesty law was ‘unacceptable’ and would have serious consequences.
According to news agency Novum, Rosenthal made the announcement of the aid suspension in parliament. In total, the decision will affect some €20m, money which has not yet been paid from the €1.5bn package promised to Suriname on independence in 1972, the NRC said.
The Netherlands is also trying to mobilise international opinion to pressure Suriname to change the law, Rosenthal said.