The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that Ambassador Mona Juul has submitted her resignation due to what she described as a "serious misjudgment" regarding her previous connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual crimes, in a case that is expanding within Norway and several European countries.

Suspension of Duties and Opening of Internal Investigation

According to Reuters, the ministry decided to temporarily suspend Juul from her duties as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq until the internal investigation is completed, following the revelation of her connections to Epstein in recently released official U.S. documents.

A Firm Official Stance

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that communication with Epstein represents a grave misjudgment, emphasizing that the issue undermines the necessary trust required to hold this sensitive diplomatic position.

A Long Diplomatic Career

Juul is 66 years old and has previously held high-ranking diplomatic positions, including as Norway's ambassador to Israel, the UK, and the United Nations, and she has also held a ministerial portfolio in the past.

Voluntary Resignation and Full Cooperation

Her lawyer confirmed that her resignation was voluntary due to her inability to continue performing her duties, noting that she will fully cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to uncover all facts related to the case.

Repercussions Extending to the UK

In a related context, Morgan McSweeney, Chief of Staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced his resignation, taking responsibility for a previous recommendation to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite his known connections to Epstein.

Review of Grants and Public Apology

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also revealed the initiation of a review of grants previously awarded to the International Peace Institute in New York, which was headed by Juul's husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, until 2020. Rød-Larsen has reiterated his apology for his relationship with Epstein, confirming his willingness to cooperate with any new investigation.

Diplomatic Legacy Under Scrutiny

Juul and Rød-Larsen are known for their roles in facilitating the Oslo Accords between 1993 and 1995, which were considered a significant achievement in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, despite the subsequent stagnation of that process.

A Case Expanding in Norway

The repercussions of the case have extended to include other Norwegian figures, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who renewed her apology in an official statement from the palace, expressing her deep regret over her previous connections with Epstein.