The Venezuelan government has decided to ratify its decision to augment the supply of oil to the Dominican Republic, but only under the condition that the deal be made directly between the two nations, without any involvement of businesses or individuals thought to have conspired against President Hugo Chavez in any way. Miguel Mejia, a minister without portfolio, was the source of this news item, and according to whom the Venezuelan government’s sole interest is to help the Dominican people. Also according to Mejia, the Venezuelan embassy and its intelligence personnel had just recently identified enterprises and persons with ties to the former (PRD) government who had attempted to destabilize the Chavez government. The minister was emphatic in stating that the Dominican Republic cannot afford to jeopardize the more lenient conditions now being offered by Venezuela.