The disagreement adds another layer of tension to proceedings aimed at liquidating Venezuelan assets to satisfy billions in debt. Circuit Judge Leonard P. Stark to order Venezuela, its state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), and Gold Reserve Ltd. to cover the costs. Gold Reserve also filed a motion to disqualify Judge Stark for alleged bias, which was denied. Venezuela and Gold Reserve have appealed the sales order, and the case remains pending at the Third Circuit. Judge Stark, now a Federal Circuit judge, continues to oversee the Delaware proceedings despite his elevation in 2022.