I agree that the hold up for both companies (as well as others) has been intentional. To answer the question of whether or not further intentional roadblocks will be constructed in the future, one has to answer the question of why the current impediments were intentionally introduced. I think you are correct in saying that most considered the Enviromental Minister to be the problem. I get the impression that that opinion is changing (at least mine is) and that people are more inclined to attribute the issue to Chavez. We can't know for a fact, but if so, and if he now feels it is in his interest to initiate these projects, then everyone comes out ahead. We'll probably find out fairly soon. Could he stop them again? Probably, but I'm guessing he won't just pull the plug without a reason that would serve his interest. I'm not inclined to think that he will not do so on a whim. I think his weakening political base is to everyones benefit. In any case, it is, needless to say, a politically volatile and frustrating situation. JMO