WASHINGTON, April 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department Tuesday said it was reassessing aid to Guyana after a minister with links to death squads was reinstated.
"We will be looking at the range of assistance we provide the government of Guyana in order to protect the integrity of that agenda, particularly in the areas of governance and law enforcement," the department said in a statement, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the decision to reinstate Home Minister Ronald Gajraj.
Earlier this week, a Guyanese commission of inquiry cleared Gajraj of links to death squads blamed for more than 40 killings between 2002 and 2003. Although he was accused of directing the groups, he was never charged. The panel, however, said Gajraj had crossed the "jurisdictional line" by maintaining contact with underworld figures.
"We believe significant questions remain unanswered regarding his involvement in serious criminal activities," the State Department said, adding his reinstatement "undermines the rule of law in" Guyana.
