To paraphrase Bill Clinton, it depends on what the meaning of the word "help" is. To wit:
"Iran is helping us with geophysical aerial probes and geochemical analyses," Rodolfo Sanz, Venezuela's minister of basic industries and mining, told reporters outside a meeting of Latin American and African leaders in Porlamar, Venezuela.
"We could have important reserves of uranium," Mr. Sanz said, adding that preliminary tests "indicate the existence of uranium in western parts of the country and in Santa Elena de Uairén," near the border with Brazil. He also rejected any suggestion that Venezuela might be involved in helping supply uranium for Iran's nuclear program.
Rafael Ramirez, Venezuela's top energy official, denied President Hugo Chavez is looking to exploit the radioactive material.
"No plan has been determined," he said in an interview on the sidelines of a presidential summit of African and South American leaders being hosted by Chavez on Venezuela's Margarita Island.
He did not offer an explanation for the contradicting information or explicitly deny that Iran had participated in flights to detect mineral reserves, including uranium.
When asked about any possible Iranian involvement, Ramirez responded that Venezuela was only working with Russia to develop nuclear energy which he said would be for peaceful uses.
"The only agreement we have is with a Russian company," he said.
Coming soon:
Mr. Sanz takes refuge in Miami under threat of (insert retribution here) for letting slip something he clearly should not have.
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