GEORGETOWN, Guyana - (AP) -- Guyana's prime minister has called for an independent commission to investigate allegations that the government ran a hit squad blamed for more than 40 killings in the past year.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, the No. 2 official in the government after the president, made the proposal Sunday in an interview on an independent TV station.

Hinds said that if authorities approve a commission, it should offer pardons and amnesty for those who provide evidence.

However, the government has held off on an independent inquiry until sources come forward with official testimony and evidence. So far, no one has. In the meantime, the investigation is being done by the police force under the Home Affairs Ministry.

Interior Minister Ronald Gajraj and President Bharrat Jagdeo have denied any government involvement in such a squad.