Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez holds the sword of Simon Bolivar in
Caracas, during a ceremony celebrating the 220th anniversary of the birth of
the national hero, July 24, 2003. Two thirds of Venezuelans disapprove of
President Chavez's government, his lowest approval rating since taking
office more than four years ago, according to a survey published on
Thursday. Venezuela has faced political instability for more than a year as
Chavez's opponents stepped up a campaign to oust a leader they accuse of
driving the world's No. 5 oil exporter to economic ruin and favoring
Cuba-style communism. PP03070089 REUTERS/Howard Yanes

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