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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 12, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

The Rose Garden

2:38 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Now that the Senate has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility, bringing this process to a conclusion, I want to say again to the American people how profoundly sorry I am for what I said and did to trigger these events and the great burden they have imposed on the Congress and on the American people.

I also am humbled and very grateful for the support and the prayers I have received from millions of Americans over this past year.

Now I ask all Americans -- and I hope all Americans -- here in Washington, and throughout our land, will rededicate ourselves to the work of serving our nation and building our future together. This can be -- and this must be -- a time of reconciliation and renewal for America.

Thank you very much.

Q In your heart, sir, can you forgive and forget?

THE PRESIDENT: I believe any person who asks for forgiveness has to be prepared to give it.

END 2:40 P.M. EST