By Bob Franken/CNN

WASHINGTON (October 6) -- Lawyers for Paula Jones told President Bill Clinton's private attorney, Bob Bennett, that the president's $700,000 offer for an out-of-court settlement "is not acceptable at this time," CNN has learned.

The exchange occurred during a telephone call Tuesday morning.

Sources familiar with the discussion say this morning's discussion did not constitute an outright rejection, but rather a request for more time for Jones attorneys' to "talk to their clients," Jones and her husband Steve.

The active negotiations began early in September after Jones agreed to withdraw her long-standing demand for an apology from Clinton.

She charges that in May 1991, then-Arkansas Gov. Clinton exposed himself to her in a Little Rock hotel room and propositioned her. Clinton denies that accusation.

A federal judge in Little Rock dismissed the Jones lawsuit last April, but Jones' legal team has appealed.

Both sides have tried to negotiate an out-of-court settlement several times over the years. The previous unsuccessful negotiation occurred in the summer of 1997.

Tuesday, October 6, 1998

• Rep. Burton accuses Democrats of more improper fund-raising
• House prepares to vote on impeachment inquiry
• Maryland's Gov. Glendening reaches out to Clinton
• Clinton attorney wants info that spurred Starr's inquiry
• Espy called ethics rules 'junk'
• Jones turns down Clinton's $700,000 settlement offer for now
• Abortion rights supporters eye candidates
• Clinton pushes $8 billion Everglades plan
• Monica costume a popular Halloween outfit
• Munster's grandpa loses court fight
• Immigrants affecting congressional apportionment
• House GOP launches $7 million TV ad campaign
• Clinton raises Democratic dollars despite impeachment question
• Amnesty International faults U.S. on human rights
• House approves private space launches
• Clinton urges action on spending measures
• House eyes 1995 Teamsters strike
• Clinton warns Yugoslavia president

ARCHIVES

Search CNN/AllPolitics by           Enter keyword(s)       go    help