U.S. Requests Dismissal Of Clifford BCCI Charges

WASHINGTON The Justice Department today asked a judge to dismissfederal charges against Washington powerbroker Clark Clifford and hislaw partner, Robert A. Altman, but reserved the right to bring new,broader charges in the future.

The department said its decision was made for several reasons,including a desire not to prejudice or interfere with the currentprosecution of Altman on state charges in New York, and because ofClifford's heart problems. He underwent open-heart surgery lastmonth, and it was not known when he would be well enough to assist inthe preparation of his defense.

U.S. District Judge Joyce Hens Greene in Washington …