In this week’s roundup… Settlement talks between U.S. companies and Chávez government over expropriated assets are unlikely, as two more American firms file arbitration claims against Venezuela before the World Bank’s International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID); Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government announces yet another expropriation; Chávez strikes out with Major League Baseball; Venezuela’s prisons are among the most dangerous in the continent; and Chávez tries to silence rumors about his health in his usual flair.

Venezuela Again Rejects Oil Settlement Talks, The Wall Street Journal

Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez on Tuesday rejected talk that his government was planning to settle with companies like Exxon Mobil Corp. and ConocoPhillips outside of official arbitration proceedings for compensation for projects nationalized by President Hugo Chavez nearly four years ago.

Helmerich Sues Venezuela Over Seized Drilling Rigs, The Wall Street Journal

Helmerich & Payne  Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Venezuela over the 2010 government takeover of 11 drilling rigs belonging to the Oklahoma-based oil-services company.

Owens Illinois hits Venezuela with arbitration claim, Reuters

U.S. bottle maker Owens Illinois (OI.N) has filed a claim for arbitration against Venezuela at a World Bank tribunal after President Hugo Chavez nationalized its operations in October last year.

US glass container maker Owens-Illinois seeks arbitration in Venezuela expropriation dispute, The Washington Post

U.S.-based glass container manufacturer Owens-Illinois Inc. said Wednesday it is seeking international arbitration in a dispute with Venezuela over the expropriation of two factories in the South American nation.

Chavez orders nationalization of ferry company, The Associated Press

President Hugo Chavez has ordered the nationalization of Venezuela’s largest ferry company. Chavez says the company, Conferrys, has failed to upgrade its vessels, causing delays and poor service from the eastern city of Puerto La Cruz to Margarita Island.

Venezuela gov’t strikes out with big league, Reuters

Baseball and President Hugo Chavez are both popular in Venezuela, but uncertainty about his policies is prompting major league teams to stop investing here while developing their Dominican Republic training camps.

Guillen says he’s no fan of Chavez, The Associated Press via The Sacramento Bee

Ninety minutes into Ozzie Guillen’s first media session as manager of the Florida Marlins, the subject turned to politics – specifically, fellow countryman Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela’s Prison Chief Says No New Facilities Needed, The Wall Street Journal

The head of Venezuela’s recently created prison ministry, which was formed earlier this year in the wake of a bloody inmate riot at a notoriously overcrowded facility, said in an interview published Tuesday that building more prisons is not necessary. “

Hugo Chávez tries to silence health rumors with his usual flair, The Christian Science Monitor

Hugo Chávez assembled reporters to his palace and played ball, after a Miami-based newspaper suggested the spirited Venezuelan President was on his last legs.