(Xinhua) - "Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said that the rights of private property owners will be guaranteed in Venezuela under constitutional reforms.

'Some citizens continue arguing in a dogmatic manner that socialism negates private property. No, our socialism accepts private property,' Chávez said.

It's only that this private property must be within the framework of the constitution.' he added.

Chávez said he would present his reform proposal to lawmakers in the coming weeks. He has appointed a special executive committee to draft the proposal.

Chávez said Venezuela's forthcoming socialist reforms would broaden the concept of ownership".