Lula offered the advice during a meeting of the two leaders on the eve of the first South American and Arab summit, which takes place in the Brazilian capital.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Monday an Israeli evacuation of the Gaza Strip would be put off until mid-August, following suspension of the handover of control of three West Bank cities to the Palestinians.

Sharon has also put on hold the promised release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

In a 40-minute meeting between Lula and Abbas, the Palestinian leader expressed concern over the delays, Brazilian foreign affairs advisor Marco Aurelio Garcia told reporters.

“President Lula praised patience and said he greatly appreciated the fact that the Palestinians, considering the difficulties they confront in their lives, have made great efforts for peace.”

Lula mentioned that he had waited 13 years to become Brazil’s president and suggested the Palestinians negotiate ”with calm,” even though they have been in conflict with Israel for 57 years.