Lawyers acting for Paula Jones in her sex harassment case against President Bill Clinton believe a ban on speaking to a potentially crucial witness could work in their favour.

Donovan Campbell: "World tragedy" (1"07')

Mrs Jones is suing President Clinton, accusing him of sexually harassing her in 1991, when he was Governor of Arkansas.

Mrs Jones's legal team had been due to speak with Monica Lewinsky, who alleges that she had an affair with the president.

Paula Jones: suing President Clinton

But the deposition, essentially a sworn testimony to prepare for a civil lawsuit, was postponed indefinitely.

One of Mrs Jones's lawyers, Donovan Campbell, labelled the case "tragic for the world" at a press conference.

He said: "We think the temporary postponement will work for the good in our case.

"It will allow the victim [Lewinsky] to collect her thoughts ... so that when she is ready for the deposition she will be more at ease in giving her testimony.

"We want her to tell the truth."

US District Judge Susan Webber agreed to postpone the deposition to give Lewinsky's lawyers time to negotiate a deal for her.

Donovan Campbell: one of Paula Jones's legal team

Speaking in Washington, Mr Campbell said: "It is tragic that a young woman has been drawn into this situation.

"It is tragic for the country that the office of the presidency has to go through this and tragic for the world."

He added: "Paula Jones intends to proceed with her case and we will continue to seek for the truth and try to win the case."
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©