Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq resigns as foreign ministry investigates her links to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
OSLO: Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq has resigned following the launch of a foreign ministry investigation into her ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Mona Juul’s resignation was a “correct and necessary decision”. He described her contact with Epstein as showing “a serious lapse in judgment”.
Juul was temporarily suspended earlier this week pending the investigation. The senior diplomat played a key role in the secret Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that led to the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s.
According to Norwegian media, Epstein left USD 10 million in his will to Juul’s two children. Her husband is fellow diplomat and Oslo talks broker Terje Rod-Larsen.
Eide said the ministry would continue talks with Juul to determine the full scope of her dealings with Epstein. He emphasised the importance of understanding the contact she had while a ministry employee.
The embassy in Jordan will be led by the deputy ambassador until a new envoy is appointed. Juul’s lawyer, Thomas Skjelbred, issued a statement explaining her decision.
Skjelbred said Juul resigned because “the situation she now finds herself in makes it impossible for her to discharge her duties in a responsible manner”. He added the situation had been an “enormous personal strain” on her and her family.
The lawyer confirmed Juul would continue cooperating with the foreign ministry’s review. She is among several high-profile Norwegian figures named in the latest Epstein file releases.
Norway’s political and royal circles have been drawn into the scandal. This includes the CEO of the World Economic Forum Borge Brende and former prime minister Thorbjorn Jagland, who is being investigated for “aggravated corruption”.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also faced scrutiny over her relationship with Epstein. On Friday, she said she “deeply regretted” the association.
Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.