PRESIDENT Clinton offered a heartfelt apology to the American people yesterday for triggering the nightmare of scandal and impeachment that has shadowed them for more than a year.

Speaking in the White House Rose Garden, shortly after the Senate found him not guilty of the two impeachment charges, a subdued Mr Clinton said it was time for the country to move forward.

''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 the American people,'' he said.

''I also am humbled and very grateful for the support and 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 the land will rededicate ourselves to the work of serving our nation and building our future. This can be and this must be a time of reconciliation and renewal for America.''

On turning to leave, he was stopped in his tracks by a re-porter's question asking if he, too, could forgive and forget. After a long pause he answered: ''I think any person who asked for forgiveness has to be prepared to give it.''

It was the emotional climax of a historic day and a traumatic year. The Senate's acquittal of Mr Clinton had been long expected and not even the sombre atmosphere of the upper house chamber could inject any sense of suspense into the proceedings.

Not guilty on both counts. 55 votes to 45 on the perjury charge. A straight 50/50 split on obstruction of justice. Not even the narrowest of majorities to mollify the Republican prosecutors.

Immediately after the vote, Democrats attempted to bring forward a censure motion for consideration on the Senate floor, condemning Mr Clinton's ''shameful, reckless and indefensible conduct,'' but they were ruled out of order.

Few Democrats were in any mood to gloat at the outcome. There are some in the party who fear a backlash in next year's elections, with the party becoming perceived as weak on moral issues.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle said Mr Clinton's acquittal should not be seen as vindication for his behaviour. ''This was a rebuke. There is no question,'' he said.

There have been harsh words, however, for the Republican House Managers who have refused to let go of the case.

''I think it sends a very loud message to the House of Representatives. Don't ever, ever send to the Senate again articles of impeachment that are this weak and partisan,'' said Democratic senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota.

The prosecutors, however, remained unrepentant. Lead prosecutor Henry Hyde said his team had nothing to be ashamed of. ''All Americans can take great comfort,'' he said. ''Congress has strengthened, not weakened the ties that bind our nation together.''

Few doubt, though, that there has been calculable damage to the Republican Party, not only alienation from a large swathe of the American public, but deep divisions within the party itself.

It remains un-clear whether the independent pro-secuting counsel, Kenneth Starr, intends to try to indict the President while he is still holding office. Analysts believe Mr Starr would be committing political and social suicide if he tries to do so.

Mr Starr himself will still face repercussions from the case he brought. US Attorney General Janet Reno has ordered an investigation into alleged misconduct by his prosecutors in relation to Monica Lewinsky. It is claimed they tried to press an immunity deal on her without her lawyer being present.

Meanwhile, Russian President Boris Yeltsin has been found guilty of five offences by a parliamentary impeachment panel set up last summer by the Duma.

The charges allege Mr Yeltsin instigated the 1991 Soviet collapse; used force against hard-line lawmakers in 1993; launched the botched war in Chechnya; bringing the nation's once-proud military to ruin; and committed ''genocide'' against the Russian people.

Formal proceedings could start next month.