heinz,

I believe that you are correct. Venezuela does not want any part of KRY in any deal other than a buyout. It is always interpreted here that the Venezuelan's are from the dirt dumb. I don't believe that. This concept that Hugo can put a rubber stamp to this JV and no one sees the hypocracy of that acceptance on his part is not realistic based on his statements over the "years". There is a very large constituency in Venezuela that is educated and would call him out especially with elections in two years. Right now it is about how much money will be given to KRY to sell the MOC, equipment and the mining studies. Remember that in the purchase equation KRY has to include the cost to pay off its debts.