The Palestinian Authority Tuesday welcomed a decision by a French court to open a probe into the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, dpa reported.
Palestinian Minister of Justice Ali Muhanna told the German Press Agency dpa that while the French decision came late, it nevertheless was "a correct step in the right direction."
He welcomed the fact that the probe was ordered by a French court and that it will take place in France, citing the fact that Arafat died in a French hospital "and therefore they know more than anyone else the circumstances and causes for his death."
Palestinians have accused Israel of poisoning Arafat even though there is no conclusive evidence that would corroborate these charges. The Palestinian Authority offered full cooperation with any investigation into Arafat's death if that would reveal the truth about his death.