For what it is worth, RM's response to my concern over information:

"Ian, we are finally gaining the access to government officials in order to make a more informed statement to shareholders. we believe the letter from the director is baseless and does not appear to have broad support in the government. This is certainly an obstacle to the project and the permit and can be dealt with. We are working with the CVG (the Venezuelan government development arm) so that the project can take the steps to remove the obstacle necesssary to bring the project back on track