Norwegian Diplomat Mona Juul Steps Down Amid Epstein Scandal

• Mona Juul, a prominent Norwegian ambassador, resigned due to a "serious failure of judgement" over ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• The foreign ministry had suspended Juul from her ambassadorial roles in Jordan and Iraq pending an internal inquiry.
• Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Juul's contact with Epstein made it difficult to rebuild trust required for her role.
• Juul's lawyer confirmed she voluntarily stepped down, pledging full cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The ministry is also reviewing past grants to the International Peace Institute (IPI), formerly headed by Juul's husband, Terje Roed-Larsen, who has apologized for his Epstein connection.