Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Thursday told a French TV channel that Venezuela, just like Iran, is launching a peaceful nuclear program.
 
"We are with Iran, and I do not think Iran is manufacturing atomic bombs," said Chávez. "Iran is developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, I am sure about that. Venezuela is also beginning to develop nuclear energy with peaceful purposes, just like Brazil and Argentina."

The Venezuelan ruler stressed the advantages of nuclear energy to reduce dependence on oil and help alleviate the effects of climate changes.

Chávez was talking about the Iranian nuke program because before flying to Paris he is making a stop in Tehran. The Venezuelan ruler showed confidence in diplomatic solution to the conflict and hoped "the terrible forecasts (US President) George W. Bush has made do not become a reality ever."

Chávez is scheduled to meet in Paris with French President Nicolás Sarkozy to talk about a likely humanitarian swap of hostages held by the rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) for FARC fighters in jail. French citizen Ingrid Betancourt is among the hostages.