jj, i definately agree with the "other russians" part....this BS all started shortly after the polyus "rumor" a couple years ago....next thing you know rusoro enters the picture.....

how's this for a scenario:

polyus (or other russian entity) enters into a conspiracy to steal LC on the cheap by trying to convince shareholders of kry to merge/sell cheap to rusoro because then rusoro will be granted the permit....

kry sells/merges with rusoro then the ven govt grants the permit to xxx...

hugo would have to be in on this one too....

i know it sounds crazy but i have yet to see where "venrus" is actually composed of venezuela and rusoro......also, hambro (polyus) has purchased a good piece of rusoro since the polyus rumor started...

i believe "venrus" was instituted during the russian naval visit and is composed of venezuela and xxx....i also believe those dirty f'*&%$'n russians (all of them) are in on the scheme.....

i'm beginning to believe the only way we avoid arbitration is for hugo to get thrown out, or see the light and start getting in bed with private enterprise again....there are some signs that either one could happen soon...