I think NoBear said it best. The Russians are broke. Look at Rusoro (the self-proclaimed "Russian" partner). Obviously, RC is getting booze money from Rusoro. If Hugo kissed China's ass in public more than he already has of late he'd have blisters on his lips. Money talks. No one can accuse me of being the least skeptical person in the room....but even I understand the following:
September 2009 -
Senior member of China Railway visits President Chávez to inquire if the
Government of Venezuela deems China Railway an acceptable partner in the Las
Cristinas project
December 2009 -
Senior member of the Chinese Government at the Vice-Premier level visits
Venezuela and seeks assurances that the Government of Venezuela will find China
Railway an acceptable partner with Crystallex in the Las Cristinas project
May 2010 -
Crystallex and Senior members of China Railway visit Venezuela to advise the
Government of imminent disclosure of the strategic partnership
The Government of Venezuela advises Crystallex that it views the Strategic
Partnership with China Railway most favourably.
