Brussels, Belgium, Nov 21, SPA -- European Union foreign ministersplan to give their formal approval Monday to launch amission to monitor the border crossing between the GazaStrip and Egypt. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, whose country holdsthe rotating EU presidency, said the 25 EU ministers wouldalso assess the latest political upheaval in the Israeligovernment, after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharondecided to leave his Liked Party, form a new politicalmovement and push for quick elections. The EU hopes the move will not disrupt attempts at peacewith the Palestinians. Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy representative,told reporters that the bloc hopes to send a firstcontingent of 12 officers and experts later this week to aPalestinian Authority-controlled outpost to prepare for theofficial start of their mission Friday, when the Rafahborder crossing opens. "The forces deployed to Rafah will be on time. We aregoing to comply with all our commitments," Solana said. In total, between 50 and 70 officers and experts will besent as part of the mission, which will be a first forEurope in the region, boosting its presence beyond its roleas top donor to the Palestinians, according to a report of the Associated Press. Israelis and Palestinians agreed to the opening of thecrossing during talks last week, brokered by U.S. Secretaryof State Condoleezza Rice and Solana.--SPA1429 Local Time 1129 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/304300