But as long as LC is in Venezuela Chavez and his inept "manana" clowns will be the ones who dictate the final terms.

Of course you are correct. I think both China and KRY have Hugo's number. I think Hugo was given a deadline to produce the permit by China (possibly the mysteriously revised September 10th date as observed by Moola). I also think that Greywolf, Tradewinds, etc. aren't voting on shit until we have permit confirmation. Be sure that Fung has been notified of this detail. Why (after all of this permit nonsense) would any rational person vote "yes" to a deal without a permit "guarantee"?