Chavez (Venezuelan dictatar) Threatens Exxon

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4544390.stm ^

[soccer_maniac]

By Sher Zieve – Left-wing Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez has told Exxon that if it does not enter into a joint venture with his country, it will lose its Venezuelan oil field concessions. Presumably, this would entail Exxon handing over controlling interest of its oil investments to Venezuela.

Other oil countries operating in Venezuela have already signed contracts with the Chavez government and been forced to turn over their controlling interests; as well as agreeing to be charged much higher taxes. Thus far, Exxon has refused the demands of the Venezuelan state. However, if the company fails to comply with Chavez’s demands, Exxon risks losing its oil interests in that country.

[massgopguy]

It's Cuba all over again.

[Dallas59]

Chavez needs a permanent "headache".

[twigs]

His "gifts" of cheap oil to liberal US states don't look so cheap.

[auto power]

Why can't we overthrow this creep via coup...?

[Vaquero]

time to invade.

[6SJ7]

Venezuela is following the plot line of "Atlas Shrugged". Only problem is, there is no John Galt to pick up the pieces after the country's collapse.

[reagan_fanatic]

A good sniper could end all this in a hurry.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Exxon will fold. The company would find it impossible to remove its investment in machinery, geology, etc.

[ConsentofGoverned]

"Venezuela is following the plot line of "Atlas Shrugged". Only problem is, there is no John Galt to pick up the pieces after the country's collapse."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.........
Chavez is aligned with CHINA and IRAN which are much more important than CUBA. the chicoms will protect him and IRAN will collude with him on oil prices and keeping American oil co's out. With Canada's recent anti american stands and chicoms going after canada oil we see a strategy here to hold the oil gun to our head. very worrisome indeed.

[BJClinton]

So if he seizes Exxon assets can the US seize Venezuelan assets?

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Whatever happened to the Monroe Doctrine?

[colonialhk]

Calling Teddy Roosevelt

[colonialhk]

Out of favor since she slept with Kennedy

[dropzone]

Seizure of US owned assets doesn't go over too well in Washington. It's not like the US Gov't doesn't have any bargaining chips. Citgo is Venezuelan owned. I'm sure there are some serious discussions going on right now.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The Venz will spin off Citgo and there are plenty of buyers, IE; Valero, BP, Hess, Koch, etc.

[Beckwith]

Other oil countries operating in Venezuela have already signed contracts with the Chavez government

Including,Citizens Oil, the oil company owned by the Kennedy family.

[Element187]

if the company fails to comply with Chavez’s demands, Exxon risks losing its oil interests in that country.

Im siding with Exxon here.. i dont think they negotiate with terrorist.

[Pessimist]

I hope the libs didn't throw out their "No Blood for Oil!" signs yet.

No doubt they'll get another airing if it ever comes to blows with Venezuela.

[AmericaUnite]

Bump