The United States attorney general, Janet Reno, has called for an independent investigation into allegations that the secretary of the interior, Bruce Babbitt, lied during questioning by a Senate committee.

Mr Babbitt was asked to give evidence on his department's rejection of an application by three native Indian tribes to build a casino in Wisconsin in 1995.

It's alleged that other Indian tribes opposed to the project then donated nearly $300,000 to the Democratic Party's 1996 election campaign.

Mr Babbitt has denied any wrongdoing.

He's the fourth cabinet member under President Clinton to face investigation by an independent counsel.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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