Moola....all good points. I might add the following..

The "potential" strategic investor by already coughing up a 2-1\2 million dollar extendable\convertable loan (at a reasonable interest rate), by definition, makes him a "real" investor and is an interesting, positive twist to the KRY tale.

Let's assume for the time being (as I do) that the Chavez strategy has been to 'delay..delay..delay' with the hope that Crystallex will be exterminated (over time) via bankruptcy. This would eliminate the annoying detail of the "Mine Operating CONTRACT with recourse to ISCID arbitration" from Hugo's calculus and would open the door for Hugo to throw this political football to another, more politically correct, receiver with the corresponding quid pro quo bounty (submarines, tanks, nuclear technology anyone?).

The lack of response from our "partner" (the CVG) as well as from Minamb to repeated inquiries from KRY juxtaposed with the seemingly incongruous "we're still in good standing with respect to the MOC" horseshit....validates the "exterminate KRY via delay and bankruptcy" argument.

Hugo's game plan is to quietly suffocate Crystallex through lack of cooperation and lack of response knowing full well that we are on the ragged edge of bankruptcy. Enter Mr. Robert Fung. A subtle message sent to Mr. Chavez in the latest quarterly report...."Hey ASSWIPE" (i.e. Hugo) we have deep pockets and can last PAST the September elections and (apparently) have sufficient backing from our deep pocketed FRIEND to FINANCE ARBITRATION in the amount of TWO BILLION DOLLARS should you elect to violate the terms of the MOC. So if you haven't received the memo yet here is a copy....."shit or get off the pot". Now isn't that poetic justice?

There seems to be a bit of conjecture regarding who our "strategic investor\financial savior" might be. Some feel it might be the Chinese given Fung's observable epicanthic folds. Others feel it may be "those of Russian descent" given public statements made by Venezuelan officials. Others feel it might be a "major"... http://www.billcara.com/archives/2006/10/did_goldcorp_buy_the_kry_finan.html

This is a blurred area. My guess is that our "strategic investor" (aka 'the enforcer') is more aligned with the referenced link (outdated though it is...worth reading in it's entirety [imo]) and that the Russians, rather than the Chinese, are involved in the deal from the Venezuelan perspective (i.e. Hugo's will trumps Fung's roots). Remember...Bill Cara stated (after conversing with KRY higher ups at the recent PDAC) that there is a "glimmer of hope".

Personally....I tend to focus on macroeconomic factors. It would appear that GOLD is a STRATEGIC investment for both Russia and Venezuela. The mutual (justified) distrust of the U.S. dollar and predicted (again justified in my opinion) collapse of same in the context of a highly inflationary Venezuelan economic environment combined with the stated intent to start a "bi-lateral" bank speaks for itself. The political alignment between these two sleazy comrads does not require elaboration.

So there you have it. Hugo has an election in September that he needs to win. Sanz has publically stated that Venezuela wants to develop the Las Cristinas property this year. The illegal miners are raining death on the environment. Unemployed miners need jobs. Venezuela "cares about the environment". KRY is financially flush thru November (via loan extension)...or perhaps beyond as it relates to pursuit of International Arbitration?

When I tried to explain my KRY losses to my accountant while he was doing my taxes (given the stated imminent KRY bankruptcy)....he told me "management doesn't give a "F" about you (the shareholder)".

Of course he is right....generally speaking. Several people on this board have gone to bat for Fung....ethically speaking. I've been too lazy to call him personally although I've spoken to RM on occaision.

Sooooo. Is Fung for real? Are the positive clues assembled to date indicative of a man with moral values going to bat for the little guy? OR....is Fung a disingenuous greedy pig out for himself? I tend to be a trusting (naive?) person. I'm going to agree with EZ. I want to believe that Fung is the real deal.

Let's see what happens when the markets open on Monday.