Chavez supporters take to the streets

Chavez said the rally was a huge demonstration of love

By Adam Easton BBC correspondent in Caracas

More than 100,000 Venezuelans have gathered in the capital, Caracas, in a show of support for the country's President, Hugo Chavez.

Supporters came from all over the country for the demonstrations - the largest since Mr Chavez was briefly removed from power during a failed coup in April.

Since then the Venezuelan leader's popularity has increased in the opinion polls, but he still faces concerted opposition from the business sector, trade unions and much of the country's middle class.

Despite Venezuela's economic and political crisis, the government said the rally was a popular referendum of support for Mr Chavez.

Call for peace

There was a party atmosphere in the crowd with many of Mr Chavez' supporters dancing to the rhythms of African style drums.

The president's popularity has grown since the coup

One of Caracas' largest streets was filled with the president's followers, many of whom wore copies of Mr Chavez's trademark red beret and waved Venezuelan flags.

Opposition backed lawyers have lodged a string of legal proceedings against President Chavez and rumours continue to swirl around Caracas that disgruntled military officers may be preparing another coup against him.

But for many of Venezuela's poor, who make up more than half the population, Mr Chavez is a hero.

One supporter, Ivonne Garcia, said he is the first president to look after their needs.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Chavez said the rally was not meant to threaten his opponents.

He made a call for peace and said the rally was a huge demonstration of love.

The problem for Mr Chavez is that many of his opponents do not believe him.