One of my associates spoke to RM yesterday:

1. The permit is in the hands of the environmental ministry -- only she will be the signatory

2. She never said that she wouldn't sign the permit; she only indicated that it would be thoroughly reviewed

3. Chavez won't be signing permits. It's even unclear if he has the authority to do so under the executive powers act.

4. Sanz doesn't have to visit the property.

5. The last several weeks have seen a great uptick in government interest in Bolivar state.