(and I would like for someone to take the other side of this argument)

We now know that Ortega and not some irrelevant, rogue minister was behind the permit denial. This means a respected person in an important position in the Vz gov turned us down.

If Chavez and Sanz were consulted beforehand as part of her decision making process, either would have said nothing or issued a statement agreeing with her denial. In other words by omission or commission they would have indicated that this was the official position of the current administration.

Instead they issue a statement saying they will decide this week on the permit.

Does this not mean that they were blindsided by her and will more likely than not rescind her denial?