If only Hugo was smart enought to follow what the Chinese tell him they could turn VZ into a huge mining country

Exactly...assuming our partner is Chinese, after doling out billions to the destitute Chavez regime, they will insist on being able to produce at a profit or they wouldn't get involved. There is no doubt that this is a world class asset...but we are dealing with a world class @sshole when it comes to Chavez. Many problems must be surmounted in order to get this stock valued where it should\could be..

1. Currency exchange fiasco

2. Sell all your gold to the bank at a loss fiasco

3. No power fiasco

4. etc., etc., etc....

One would think that these problems will have been resolved to the satisfaction of the Chinese (if the Chinese are, in fact, our secret benefactor) before any deal announcement is made. Mr. Market is not going to cut us any slack (imo) when it comes to pricing our shares given the curse of Chavez\Venezuela. The "analysts" are going to have to be look at the terms of any deal and say...."WOW! Fung pulled a rabbit out of his hat. Profit can be made and risk has been mitigated!".