GETTING ANSWERS ABOUT CANADIAN INTERESTS

VHeadline guest commentarist and gold investor Todd MacSween writes: Media manipulation regarding events and actions of President Hugo Chavez throughout the past years has only grown more rampant, especially with Ambassadors failing to answer investor-related questions from fear of retaliation from their embassies.

Canadian companies are seeking answers to changes in Venezuelan policies and laws...

One of those companies is Canada’s Crystallex which has a Mine Operating Agreement (MOA) with the Venezuelan Guayana Corporation (CVG) to mine the Las Cristinas gold mine.

So far investors appear to be scared off from investing in such mining companies, due mostly to false media reports throughout the USA.

The Canadian Embassy, even though informed of the situations regarding events of such hysteria have been quiet to all inquiries.

The Canadian Embassy, according to past media reports has been working hands-on with Canadian mining companies in the hope of maintaining good bilateral relationships with Venezuela and with efforts to speed up progress to such projects as Las Cristinas.

Discouraging events as of late regarding Canada’s Ambassador to Venezuela have been even more discouraging. When asked to report on such agreements and project and of what they are doing to aid Crystallex, no answers were given.

Refusing to be interviewed by VHeadline radio and delaying answers requested by Canadian investors still leaves foreign parties clueless as to events occurring.

Foreign Ambassadors should be of easy access to investors, especially when the norm is to stay away from unstable countries.

Venezuela has always enjoyed great trading relations with Canada and the future remains the same. Ambassadors should be dispelling any myths related to political changes and become more involved in educating the world why such countries are investable.

Crystallex has been waiting since June for the official environmental permit to allow the start of one of the largest undeveloped gold mines in the world. Crystallex has been formally approved and taxes and bonds paid.

Crystallex has fulfilled all aspects of the MOA as investors understand and investors are becoming more and more nervous there are problems behind the scenes.
Official statements by former National Assembly Economic Commission president, congressman Ricardo Gutierrez, has confirmed all is well regarding the project and it is simply a timing issue.

Since the Canadian Ambassador is well up to date with current events, a report on project status of Canadian interest should be appreciated.

Todd MacSween
emilytodd@netzero.net


All investors inquiring about such issues should have their concerns answered by emailing or contacting the embassy.


The formal mandate of the Department is set out in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act (R.S. 1985, c. E-22).

It consists of:

• ensuring that Canada's foreign policy reflects true Canadian values and advances Canada's national interests;
  
• strengthening rules-based trading arrangements and to expand free and fair market access at bilateral, regional and global levels; and
  
• working with a range of partners inside and outside government to achieve increased economic opportunity and enhanced security for Canada and for Canadians at home and abroad.
  
  5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
  
  You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:
  
  Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
  Address: Consular Section, Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur Altamira, Altamira
  Postal Address: Caracas, 1060
  Tel.: 58 (212) 600-3000, 600-3042, or 600-3043
  Fax: 58 (212) 263-4981
  E-Mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
  Internet: http://www.caracas.gc.ca/