Iran will continue developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, but will not try to make nuclear weapons, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said in Caracas Saturday.

"We are ready to cooperate with the world to give more certainty that Iran is not moving toward the creation of nuclear arms," the president said while meeting his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez.

Despite pressure from the United States and Europe over Teheran's nuclear program, Khatami said Iran's right to have peaceful nuclear energy is a "legal and legitimate right" under international nuclear-related accords.

Washington insists Iran's uranium enrichment program is aimed at developing nuclear weapons, but Iran has repeatedly denied this charge and said its nuclear program is purely for peaceful use.

Chavez, for his part, expressed his support for Iran's nuclear program.

Meanwhile, he demanded the US stop supporting dissidents in Venezuela and interfering in his country's internal affairs.

Venezuela hopes to maintain relations with the US based on mutual respect, he said. Venezuela will not meddle in US domestic affairs and hopes the US can do likewise to Venezuela, he added.

Khatami arrived in Venezuela on March 10 for a three-day official visit. During his visit, the two countries signed more than 20 energy and trade-related accords.

Xinhua