Watch President Clinton give his statement in Real Video

President Bill Clinton has made a vigorous defence of his actions in the scandal which has now engulfed the White House.

Speaking at the end of an event to promote government measures on education, he forcefully denied any sexual involvement with former aide Monica Lewinsky.

President Clinton denies having sex with Monica Lewinsky (Dur: 34").

"I want to say one thing to the American people. I want you to listen to me. I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky," he said.

Mr Clinton's voice was shaking as he spoke to the assembled media in the White House.

Hillary backing her husband

With a raised clenched fist, Mr Clinton went on: "I never told anyone to lie, not a single time, never. These allegations are false and I need to go back to work for the American people."

The President then left the room and did not respond to any questions. He said he had to get back to work and prepare for his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening.

Former Adviser to President Clinton, George Stephanopoulos, gives his opinion on what's still to come (2' 40")

He received loud applause from the education groups who had gathered to hear his announcement on daycare provision. Mr Clinton was flanked by the First Lady, the Education Secretary and Vice President Al Gore.

Washington had been waiting in anticipation for this news conference ever since government aides let it be known that Mr Clinton might use the occasion to repeat his denial of an affair with Miss Lewinsky.

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