All this speculation and hammering KRY and Fung for not doing this or not doing that is just folly, and, I think, rather insulting. Fung as you should keep in mind, is absolutely TOP NOTCH in what he does....Do you think for a minute that he would be afraid of dealing with Chavez? Cautious yes, as he should be. As we all know, it is very difficult to get a handle on what Chavez thinks, and what he's going to do. On the other hand, we know what Fung is doing. He's fighting for us, and for his reputation as a winner. Why are there some out there that think they have what KRY and it's advisers and lawyers, and it's years of experience dealing with Chavez and VZ, don't have. You think you could step into Fungs position and make it right, show that Chavez who he's dealing with?.....Right.....

It's amazing to many that we are still alive and relatively well after this very difficult and harrowing time. Many thought we'd be down the tubes long ago. We've been waiting years......Geez....get a grip and just cool it for 3 meezly weeks....Ok, it will be a hard three weeks, we are all EXTREMELY anxious.

One other point.........I'm sure you all know that there is a shortage of gold out there......for countries who are hoarding, for banks needing to back up their paper investments, for countries just trying to soften the possible further disasterous future, and for the average joe's, ( ok, and the not so average JOES), who want their paper turned into gold in the hand. Sooooo....you can bet that there are many very very interested parties out there who would love to be in possession of the soon to be largest gold mine to come on stream for a quite some time, AND, at such an opportune time...Just think, by the time Las Cristinas is in full production, gold could well be 2- 3 times what it is now....what mining outfit would NOT want Las Cristinas once the permit is in place, with equipment ready to be shipped at a moments notice.

Fung and KRY are totally on top of this, doing the best job ANYONE could do...

Let them finish this stage, and then, if you must, make your judgements.

Penderite