This seems to me to be a very clear indication that the honeymoon is over....between Rusoro and the VZ government. Put this together with the announcement that Andre Agapov has taken over the reins of Rusoro, from George Salamis. I believe this was due to a difference of opinion as to how to relate to the 'supposed' special relationship with PDVSA.

Forget about tip-toeing around any possible contentious issues between the company and the VZ government. I think we are going to see a more defiant stance from Rusoro, when it comes to the economics of running there operation in VZ. It wouldn't surprise me at all that Agapov will be aligning himself with one of the other socialist political influences in the government. what I'm referring to is the following, from one of my earlier post's.....

Certainly there are 'warring' factions within the government...Funny thing is, that as I was reading it, I thought to myself.....All these different attempts to bring in different types of socialism, seem to create the same situation. Thousands of low-middle-and high level individuals who want POWER, pure and simple. Oh I'm sure they all believe they are leading a part of the stuggle for what they see as 'the socialism', but it turns them into what they are supposed to fighting.....leaders who want to see it done their way, and will often do what is nescessary to make it happen, to impose it on others.

There is such a struggle within, regarding how 'Democratic' Socialism should look, (an oxymorn :) ? ), that I see now why we can never get a handle on where we stand.

I believe Andre Agapov has learned this, and is/will be, looking at which faction of the 'revolution' to go with.

I also can really understand and sympathize with Fung, who no doubt is walking a thin line in his dealings with the many, and changing, faces of socialist beaurocracy in VZ.

Pen.......ps still waiting for a response to my last e-mail, to RM