14/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - After meeting Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon and the President of the Palestinian Authority Abu Mazen last week, European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said on Monday that 'the EU is seeking a clear mandate for the EU 3rd party presence that has been invited to monitor the crossing' (at Rafah, between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, see EUROPE 9063). 'It is important that the outstanding decisions on this border mission be taken swiftly. It is in the interests of both parties to see the normalisation of border traffic and an improvement in living conditions in Gaza. This initiative is an important key to maintaining momentum after Gaza withdrawal - we should not let momentum slip away.' The EU will not have any executive role at Rafah, because the Palestinians will be responsible for managing the border crossing, explained Ferrero-Waldner.