London - The credit crunch is slowing down peacemaking in the world's conflict zones by undermining the economic development of war-torn countries, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari said in London Friday.

"It will not help us to solve conflict with no economic development in those countries...We are avoiding taking the tough decisions that are needed," the former Finnish president told foreign journalists.

However, the 71-year-old said he basically remained optimistic about the future of world peace.

He cited Kenya and Zimbabwe as recent examples of nations attempting to tackle their own problems.

"I think things are getting better...they no longer need people like me. They can do it on their own," said Ahtisaari.

He received this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to peace in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa, and for his efforts in negotiating Namibian independence from South Africa. (dpa)