Why do you assume that negotiations between the Chavez Government and the Chinese have also broken off?

Sorry...sarcasm doesn't come thru very well on the computer. My point is that this (along with the fact that Hugo isn't bragging publically and we haven't been kicked off Las Cristinas yet) seems to support the possibility that negotiations are ongoing with KRY, the Chinese, GRZ and perhaps (ugghh) Rusoro. I bet GRZ isn't helping expedite resolution much since they are in a relatively strong position with cash in the bank and an arbitration claim well underway. DISCLAIMER: This is only my opinion.