Ok, Lisa just returned my phone call. She was very nice, helpful and professional. I spoke with her for about 10 minutes. Of course I couldn't mention Aurelian specifically but this is what she did say.

Joe Conway and his management team were there yesterday and will remain there for the immediate future. Yesterday, they met with the management of all the other impacted companies and are doing so again today. They have met with the Ambassador as well. She said what they are doing is completely illegal and there is definite hope to get this mess turned around. She said they were down there 2.5 weeks ago and met with the governement and everything was good so they were totally blindsided as well.

She said Joe Conway has much experience with these types of situations from the episode they had with Mali, Africa and should be a real benefit to getting this straightened out....of course she cannot make any guarantees.

Also, there is a meeting tomorrow directly with President Correa and the management of these companies and the Ambassador. I'm sure there will be a few lawyers present as well.

That's all I can remember for now. She said to call back anytime. Her # is 1-416-824-0271.

Hope this helps.