Mona Juul, Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and a key figure in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations during the 1990s, has stepped down following scrutiny over her connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation, announced by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, comes in the wake of unsettling revelations regarding Epstein’s bequest to Juul’s family.
Scrutiny Over Epstein Ties
Juul’s resignation was confirmed on Sunday, just days after the Foreign Ministry suspended her amid investigations into her relationship with Epstein. Reports surfaced that Epstein had included Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, in his will, bequeathing them $10 million shortly before his death in a New York prison in 2019. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide characterised Juul’s departure as “correct and necessary,” noting that her association with the convicted sex offender represented a significant lapse in judgment, undermining the trust essential to her diplomatic role.
The ministry has initiated an inquiry to assess Juul’s awareness of Epstein’s activities and her level of interaction with him. Eide confirmed that Juul would continue to engage with the ministry to clarify the circumstances surrounding the situation.
Review of Diplomatic Funding
In conjunction with Juul’s case, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry has also launched a review of its financial ties and associations with the International Peace Institute (IPI), a New York-based think tank previously headed by Rød-Larsen. Eide indicated that Rød-Larsen’s judgment regarding Epstein has similarly come under scrutiny, reinforcing concerns about the integrity of their diplomatic engagements.
Both Juul and Rød-Larsen played pivotal roles in the Oslo Accords, a series of agreements aimed at achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Their past contributions to diplomacy in the region are now overshadowed by troubling associations.
Juul’s Response
In a statement to Norwegian news outlet NTB, Juul acknowledged that her previous characterisation of her connection to Epstein as minimal was misleading. She clarified that her interactions stemmed from her husband’s acquaintance with Epstein and did not involve any independent social or professional ties. Juul described her occasional contact with Epstein as informal and private, distinct from her official duties, while admitting that she should have exercised greater caution in her dealings.
The unfolding scandal has further implicated other prominent Norwegian figures, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who recently expressed regret over her past associations, apologising to those she may have disappointed. Additionally, the country’s economic crimes unit has commenced an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who has also faced allegations regarding his connections to Epstein.
Why it Matters
This incident highlights the intricate web of relationships within global diplomacy and the potential ethical pitfalls that can arise. The repercussions of Juul’s resignation extend beyond individual reputations, raising questions about the accountability of public figures and the integrity of diplomatic missions. As Norway grapples with these revelations, the need for transparency in international relations becomes increasingly apparent, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining trust in roles that shape global peace efforts.
