Today's (Friday, August 1) issue of Las Verdades de Miguel (Miguel's Truths) -- a Venezuelan weekly political news review and commentary, which often embarrasses top political figures with 'The Truth' -- contains a paragraph in Miguel Salazar's special political gossip column:Left to rust! The case of Crystallex' application for an environmental permit has become a true soap opera at the Environment Ministry (MinAmb). Quite some time ago the Venezuelan Guayana Corporation (CVG) signed a contract with Crystallex International to operate a gold mine in southeastern Bolivar State. Since then there are many people who have spoken to MinAmb seeking approval for the requested permits. Even the National Assembly (AN) Energy & Mines Committee has basically moved heaven and earth to get things going. There's talk of US$ millions! The Environment Minister said NO to signing the permits because to do so would cause damage to the ecosystem. Oh, what a surprise for everyone when 'Don Rafael' (referring to Ramon Carrizalez Rengifo, the Vice President and Environment Minister Yubiri Ortega de Carrizales' husband) had a word ... and now there are strong indications of a surprise agreement. What happened? When bull-rushes no longer need to whisper evil thoughts. So what then is the purpose of the AN Committee on Energy & Mines!
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