Venezuela, Russia sign natural gas agreement

[Say_What]

<clips>

CARACAS, Venezuela: Russia and Venezuela have signed an agreement worth US$15 million (€11.5 million) to cooperate in developing Venezuela's natural gas resources, Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA, announced Tuesday.

The pact, which initially covers a period of one year, includes an assessment of Venezuela's natural gas industry and the development of a plan to improve its efficiency.

...Felix Rodriguez, president of PDVSA GAS, said his company hopes to incorporate the experience of Russian state company GAZPROM through a project that "will allow us to increase production and improve our ability to respond to contingencies."

Venezuela has 147.5 billion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, according to official estimates. This would give it the eighth largest reserves in the world and the largest in Latin America.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/23/america/LA-FIN-Venezuela-Russia-Gas.php

[Deja Q]

1. And don't forget, US corporate interests want to invest in Russia too...

When does the line between government and the companies that live and prosper within it get drawn?

Maybe that's why the world hates America. Not Americans per se, but those who wrongfully exploit.

And with China boasting it's gotten a third of its people out of poverty while more and more Americans slide into it, I'm happy for China (it's quite an accomplishment) but it's tragic for America.

[Peace Patriot]

2. "Hugo Chavez, friend of Bush-ass-kissing fascist Vladimir Putin...."

That's what I want to see the next time Hugo Chavez's name appears in the NYT, WSJ, WaPo, LAT, London Times, Time-Newsweek, the Economist, the AP or Reuters wire services, and all the war profiteering corporate news monopoly TV shows.

They invariably say, "Hugo Chavez, friend of Fidel Castro....". And they can go ahead and say that, but they've now got to add some more people that Chavez is friends with, in the interests of the people of Venezuela.

[Demeter]

3. I'm Not Sure Russian Bear Any Safer Partner Than American Eagle

or Chinese Dragon, for that matter. Be careful, Hugo. Remember that line from The King and I:

Shall I join with other nations in alliance?
If allies are weak, am I not best alone?
If allies are strong with power to protect me,
Might they not protect me out of all I own?


The King and I
Music: Richard Rodgers
Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II
Book: Oscar Hammerstein II