Just because we file for arbitration it doesn't mean that negotiations to resolve the situation stop. One could argue that earnest negotiations at the highest level won't start UNTIL arbitration is filed (you know....the whole lazy...South American...manyana thing). If, as stated, Venezuela truly does not want to go the arbitration route, perhaps by filing for arbitration 2 years ago (which I was a vocal advocate for at the time BTW) we would have had a deal by now. File for arbitration FIRST (i.e. load the gun and point it) and THEN propose a JV with the Chinese as a solution...not the other way around....Kapeesh?

I still haven't given up hope for an 11th hour resolution, but Chavez was the same lying kleptomaniac 2 years ago that he is now.