Norwegian Ambassador Mona Juul Resigns Amid Epstein Scandal: Fallout and Investigations
A Norwegian ambassador involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts in the 1990s and recently serving in Jordan has resigned amid scrutiny over her connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The Foreign Ministry announced Mona Juul's resignation following reports that Epstein left $10 million to Juul and her husband in his will before his death in 2019. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Juul's resignation was necessary due to a serious lapse in judgment regarding her contact with the convicted sex offender.
The ministry will continue its investigation into Juul's interactions with Epstein, and discussions will be ongoing to clarify the matter. Additionally, a review of the ministry's funding and contact with the International Peace Institute, led by Juul's husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, will be conducted. Rød-Larsen was also criticized for his poor judgment concerning Epstein. The fallout from the Epstein files has had repercussions in various countries, including the U.K., where Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls to resign due to his appointment of Peter Mandelson, who had ties to Epstein.
Rød-Larsen and Juul played roles in facilitating the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Norway's Økokrim has opened an investigation into Juul and Rød-Larsen for suspected gross corruption and aiding and abetting gross corruption, respectively. The investigation will focus on whether Juul received benefits related to her position. Juul admitted that her contact with Epstein was sporadic and private, originating from her husband's relationship with Epstein, and not part of her official duties.
The recent revelations from the Epstein files have also implicated other prominent figures in Norway, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who issued an apology for her relationship with Epstein. Former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland is also under investigation for his ties to Epstein. The ongoing investigations highlight the broader impact of Epstein's connections on individuals in various countries.