Tripp is cleared by lie test

LINDA TRIPP, who secretly taped Monica Lewinsky's confessions of her affair with President Bill Clinton, has passed a lie-detector test after allegations that the tapes might have been doctored.

In his report on the Lewinsky inquiry the independent prosecutor, Kenneth Starr, said nine of the tapes appeared to have been copied and one could have been edited.

If confirmed, Ms Tripp could face prosecution, as she had testified that the tapes were unaltered.

But after yesterday's test the ex-FBI officer who administered it said it was his opinion she was telling the truth when she denied doctoring the tapes. Transcripts could be published today, with more testimony in the Lewinsky case.