Lewinsky, for the first time, was answering questions by independent counsel Kenneth Starr's prosecutors in New York yesterday.

Having a sexual affair with a White House intern less than half his age may affect Clinton's prestige and standing as a world leader but has no legal consequence at home. There will, however, be consequences to his presidency if Starr can prove that he perjured himself or persuaded Lewinsky to tell a lie, analysts felt.

Starr has already served a subpoena on Clinton -- the first action of its kind against a sitting President -- and Clinton's lawyers are negotiating how he can do so. He does not want to go to a grand jury like other witnesses and testify without his counsel sitting beside him.