Redtail good follow up on these reports. I just have a IMO comment which is......

Most here think Chavez is a rat and his Government is corrupt. The answers given by the Commander probably are accurate, that no connection has been established (as yet).

If the U.S. can play "good cop" and stay neutral even during Chavez's continued rants against the U.S., the easier it will be to influence change the U.S. would like to effect in the region later.

The Venezuelans and the Spanish are linked by more or less a common language, religion, and some similar customs . I think it is wise to let Spain play "bad cop" here since the U.S. is already busy in at least 100 other places around the globe.

KRY's contract is obviously being held up by Chavez and any reasonable detant to effect change in Venezuela might help to eventually move us forward.