Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Monday said a resolution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict would pacify all major conflicts around the world.

Speaking in Athens after talks Monday with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Abbas said, "Everyone recognizes that peace in the Middle East and a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can put out the fires at all the flash points in the world."

Abbas also appealed to the international community to lift an aid embargo imposed on the Palestinian Authority after Hamas came into power, saying the sanctions hurt prospects for peace in the Middle East.

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"If the international community wants to help us, it must lift this embargo so that we can lead a normal life," Abbas said. "We are requesting that the embargo be lifted."

"The Palestinian people have suffered in the past year because of this blockade," Abbas added. "They are living through a tragedy - on a social, economic and political level."

Abbas' three-day visit to Greece, was part of a seven-nation tour of European Union countries. He also met Greek President Karolos Papoulias, and on Saturday he met Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

Greece has traditionally close ties with the Palestinians and with Arab nations.

Direct financial aid to the Palestinian Authority was frozen after Hamas swept to power in January 2006 elections, but Abbas has argued the restrictions should be lifted because a new unity government includes members of his more moderate Fatah party.