Norwegian diplomat behind Oslo Accords apologises for Epstein ties

Diplomat Mona Juul and her husband Terje Rod-Larsen, both key figures in the creation of the Oslo Accords, are facing investigation in Norway for alleged corruption and ties to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The couple is accused of receiving a loan from Epstein, purchasing a flat in Oslo at a discounted rate, taking a trip to Epstein's island in 2011, and paying for home help services for Rod-Larsen.

Epstein had also left $10 million in his will to their children, one of whom took their own life in April at the age of 25.

Rod-Larsen has apologized for his relationship with Epstein, stating he "should have cut all ties with him earlier." Documents from the US Justice Department revealed that the couple had maintained contact with Epstein until his death in 2019. Epstein was previously convicted of recruiting a minor for prostitution in 2008.

Rod-Larsen, who was the head of the International Peace Institute in New York between 2005 and 2020, justified his dealings with Epstein as a result of his role as an intermediary and donor. The Norwegian Parliament has launched a scrutiny procedure and formed an independent commission to investigate the Epstein affair. Queen Mette-Marit and former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland, who chaired the committee that selects Nobel Peace Prize winners, have also been implicated in the scandal.