OSLO, Norway (AP) — Mona Juul, a Norwegian ambassador with a history of involvement in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts during the 1990s, has resigned amid scrutiny related to her connections with Jeffrey Epstein, as confirmed by Norway’s Foreign Ministry. Juul’s resignation was announced on Sunday evening, coming shortly after her suspension from the ambassadorial role in Jordan.
The controversy surrounds reports revealing that Epstein bequeathed $10 million to the children of Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, in a will finalized shortly before his death by suicide in a New York prison in 2019. This financial tie has raised significant ethical concerns, prompting immediate action from the Norwegian government.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide commented on Juul's resignation, stating that her decision was both “correct and necessary.” He further remarked that her interactions with Epstein indicated a “serious lapse in judgment,” creating challenges in restoring the necessary trust for her position. The ministry has initiated an investigation into Juul’s knowledge and contact with Epstein while determining the implications for her role in Norwegian diplomacy.
In addition, the ministry launched a review concerning its funding and associations with the International Peace Institute — a New York-based think tank previously led by Rød-Larsen. Eide indicated that Rød-Larsen also exhibited poor judgment in his connections with Epstein.
The fallout from Epstein’s case continues to resonate globally, particularly in the U.K., where figures such as former Prince Andrew face scrutiny. Recent events have also placed pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is contending with the implications of appointing former British ambassador Peter Mandelson, knowing of Mandelson's ties to Epstein. Starmer's leadership has come under fire amidst these revelations.
Juul and Rød-Larsen played key roles in facilitating the Oslo Accords that aimed to resolve the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recently, Norway’s National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, known as Økokrim, announced it had commenced investigations into both Juul and Rød-Larsen. Juul is being investigated for potential gross corruption linked to her position, while Rød-Larsen is suspected of aiding and abetting gross corruption.
The investigation involves examining whether Juul received any personal benefits tied to her role in the Foreign Ministry. Authorities recently conducted searches in the Frogner district of Oslo and a witness's residence as part of their inquiry.
In a statement to Norwegian news agency NTB, Juul admitted that her previous characterization of her relationship with Epstein as minimal was “imprecise.” She clarified that any contact stemmed from her husband’s relationship with Epstein, not from her own social or professional engagements. Juul acknowledged that her interactions with Epstein had been sporadic and private, while emphasizing the need to exercise greater caution.
The latest wave of revelations from the Epstein files has also implicated other noteworthy individuals in Norway. Crown Princess Mette-Marit recently issued an apology for disappointing those affected by her own connections to Epstein. Moreover, Økokrim has opened a corruption inquiry into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who previously chaired the Nobel Peace Prize committee, owing to his associations with Epstein.
