It would appear that some vice ministers and institution hacks are not tuned in. During the signing of agreements with Iran last night, the President criticized a housing project which a Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) hierarch first said would finish in 2011, but ended up admitting that the project would be ready in 2013. Not good enough, challenged Chavez, because presidential elections are in 2012 and the official ignored political implications.

Furthermore, Chavez maintained that it is not enough to state the year a project will finish because the day and month must also be tendered.

We see another 'fund' (loan) to try and bolster VZ's failing economy.

It all boils down to serious and detailed planning, Chavez chided ... and he wants to see the Iran-Venezuela Fund (opened yesterday) handing out credits without delay and without too much bureaucracy.

Penderite