Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Sunday night that the Rafah Crossing on the borders between Gaza Strip and Egypt would be operated very soon in the presence of a third party.

Abbas told reporters on his arrival to Ramallah from Gaza that when the finishing touches are finalized, the crossing will be opened, adding before this, it would be temporarily opened for social and humanitarian cases.

Israel was controlling the Rafah Crossing until it withdrew from the Gaza Strip on Sept. 12, and refused to allow the Palestinians to unilaterally operate it, unless an agreement is reached and a third party observes the crossing.

Israel and the Palestinians agreed to have European Union representatives at the crossing, and a EU delegation is holding talks with Israel and the Palestinians to arrange their presence at the crossing.

Meanwhile, asked about the current situation in the Gaza Strip, Abbas told reporters that to a great extent there is calm in Gazanow.

The situation goes towards calm and this calm would continue, Abbas said, adding that until now there are no contacts or talks with the Israeli side.

Asked about Palestinian legislative elections due on Jan. 25,Abbas reiterated that it would be held on time without any delay.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2005)