VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ HOLD THE SWORD OF SIMON BOLIVAR IN CARACAS, 2003-07-24 (photo)

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 HY/GN