Resolute CEO still held in Mali, diplomatic sources say, as shares suspended
The Malian military junta is seeking at least $161 million from the company to settle a tax dispute.
Venezuelan President Maduro shocked the market in early December when he followed China’s ‘petro-yuan’ futures announcement by making headlines of himself proclaiming a new national cryptocurrency – the ‘Petro’ – to overcome The West’s “financial blockade.”
Today he followed up by confirming “every single Petro will be backed by a barrel of oil… and gold.”
“The objective is to advance in the Venezuelan economy and overcome the financial blockade, this allows us to continue in the economic and social development supported by Venezuelan riches,” said the president, explaining that his government will make a cryptocurrency issue “backed by reserves of Venezuelan gold, oil, gas and diamond wealth.”
Some joked at the time that a different name might be more suitable…
“Here’s the document formalizing the provision of the certified Ayacucho oil field No.1 in the Orinoco Petroleum Belt for the support of El Petro cryptocurrency,” Maduro said on national TV.
Maduro said the field’s “reserves amount to five billion barrels of oil,” which is confirmed by the corresponding “international certificate.”
“Every single Petro will be backed by a barrel of oil,” Maduro said, promising to provide cryptocurrency mining throughout the country.
“We will set up a special team of cryptocurrency specialists so they will be engaged in mining in all states and municipalities of our country.”
The Venezuelan leader has also promised to allocate Arco Minero gold deposits from the Orinoco Belt along with the country’s diamond deposits.
Related: What Drove WTI Above $60?
The Venezuelan president explained the purpose was “to advance the country’s monetary sovereignty, to carry out financial transactions and to defeat the financial blockade against the country.”
“We are facing a financial war against the country which we have denounced, and the opposition has denied. There are business people who are unaffected by Donald Trump’s blockade. With this, we will join the 21st century,” said Maduro
Finally, as Pepe Escobar concluded recently, it ain’t over till the fat (golden) lady sings.
When the beginning of the end of the petrodollar system – established by Kissinger in tandem with the House of Saud way back in 1974 – becomes a fact on the ground, all eyes will be focused on the NSS counterpunch.
By Zerohedge
