Clinton, Independent Counsel Strike Deal

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2001 -- -- On his last full day in office, President Clinton today finally acknowledged he testified falsely about his affair with Monica Lewinsky, striking a deal with Independent Counsel Robert Ray that allows him to avoid criminal indictment.

"I tried to walk a fine line between acting lawfully and testifying falsely, but I now recognize that I did not fully accomplish this goal and that certain of my responses to questions about Ms. Lewinsky were false," Clinton said in a statement read today by White House spokesman Jake Siewert.

The statement marks the first time Clinton has admitted giving false testimony in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case three years ago, when he denied having had a relationship with Lewinsky.

"I hope my actions today will help bring closure and finality to these matters," Clinton said in the statement.

No Indictment

Shortly after Clinton's mea culpa was read, Ray announced he would decline to indict the outgoing president.

"President Clinton has acknowledged responsibility for his actions," Ray said. "He has admitted that he knowingly gave evasive and misleading answers."

"This matter is now concluded. May history and the American people conclude that it has been concluded justly," Ray said. "The nation's interests have been served, and therefore, I decline prosecution."

In ending the legal saga, the White House continued to carefully parse the president's words, insisting Clinton had not committed perjury. While he spoke untruths, aides say, he did not do so "intentionally." In effect, they say, he tried to speak the truth -- but failed.

"He did not lie. We have not admitted he lied," Clinton attorney David Kendall said.

In fact, each word of the president's official statement had been painstakingly hammered out in negotiations between Kendall and Ray that began several weeks ago.

Gives Up Law License for Five Years

In a separate deal with officials in Arkansas, Clinton agreed to relinquish his law license for five years and to admit that his false statements about Lewinsky broke the state bar's rules.