I have been involved with a number of arbitration cases, mostly involving municipal employees with excessive demands. Each side appoints an arbitrator who will favor and present their case. The third arbitrator is a qualified professional with appropriate legal training. Rarely does this end in a complete agreement. A compromise is decided upon which is as palatable as possible to both sides. I can see no outcome which will feel palatable to VZ, and so they seek a delay.

The only time there is a 3-0 vote is usually on the final agreed on compromise, and even then there are often times 2-1 votes. No matter, the decision stands.

The only reason for Venezuela to attempt to disqualify its appointee is to buy time. It is beyond belief to expect this case to go any way except against Venezuela. They are only looking for another delay in hopes of finding ways to make collecting on an award more difficult. Although anything is possible, I would be surprised if this effort will succeed in anything other than a brief delay. I cannot imagine a decision awarding anything less than well above half of the original asking price, which approaches four billion dollars.

Sit tight, my friends, enjoy your Turkey, and thankfully look forward to eventually being shed of this turkey.

AD