Changes for Norway’s Ambassador Following Epstein Files Release

Mona Juul, who serves as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, has reportedly been relieved of her duties amid the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The files indicate that Epstein had allocated around $10 million to Juul’s children, as stated by local media sources.

A particular 32-page document, dated August 8, 2019, details over 40 beneficiaries, including $5 million bequests for each of her two children, Edward Lord Larsen and Emma Lord Larsen. Notably, Epstein passed away just two days later, on August 10, 2019.

Juul has been temporarily excused from her role while the Norwegian Foreign Ministry investigates her alleged connections to Epstein, with reports surfacing on Wednesday about the situation.

Foreign Minister Espen Bart Eide mentioned, “She will not serve as ambassador until these issues are clarified,” in comments to public broadcasters.

Documents released by the DOJ include approximately 3 million records aimed at shedding light on Juul’s relationship with her husband, Terje Lord Larsen, and Epstein. One document features an invitation addressed to Epstein for a dinner hosted by the couple.

Juul has stated that her interactions with Epstein were primarily tied to her husband’s affiliations. “I want to clarify that my contact with Epstein arose from my spouse’s relationship with him,” she remarked to a Norwegian news agency. However, she acknowledges the need for more discretion in her dealings with Epstein, describing the contact as “sporadic and private.”

She mentioned a personal encounter back in 2011 and reflected that she should have managed the matter differently, especially during her leave from the Foreign Office.

The Justice Department has also released a March 2011 email sent to Epstein’s pilot, which included details about Juul, Terje Lord Larsen, and their two children.

Historically, Juul has held significant roles in various countries and served as the 75th President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN). She played a key role in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that led to the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, according to The Straits Times.

Calls for Juul’s resignation have reportedly emerged from Guri Melby, the leader of the Norwegian Freedom Party.

At the time of this reporting, Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not responded to requests for comments regarding the matter.