Arafat applauds stand of French President

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat praised French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing Monday for showing courage through his endorsement of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination in the Middle East. Mr. Arafat, however, was evasive when asked whether the door was now open for him to visit France officially for talks with Mr. Giscard d'Estaing, who is currently on a tour of six Arab countries. Mr. Arafat said he would not come here without an invitation, and the matter was one for the French President.