Norway’s parliament is setting up an independent commission to review the foreign service after years of elite contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. Former prime ministers are also under scrutiny.
Norway’s parliament voted unanimously on Tuesday to set up an independent commission of inquiry to examine the work of Norway’s foreign service and other bodies over the past decades. This decision is related to revelations about the involvement of representatives of the Norwegian foreign policy elite in the scandal related to the American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the DPA agency reported, writes TASR.
“It is imperative that the facts come to light,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Störe in parliament.
Involvement of political elites
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjörn Jagland, who also served as Secretary General of the Council of Europe, is among those who have come into the spotlight for their contacts with sexual predator Epstein.
Mona Juulová, former ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, and her husband, former senior diplomat Terje Röd-Larsen, also came under scrutiny.
According to the Norwegian news agency NTB, an investigation is underway against Jagland and Juul on suspicion of serious corruption and against Röd-Larsen on suspicion of aiding and abetting serious corruption.
Reaction to allegations
After his contacts with Epstein came to light, former Norwegian Foreign Minister Börge Brende resigned as head of the World Economic Forum.
Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit allegedly also maintained a close friendship with Epstein.
The planned investigation by the parliamentary commission is to go back to 1993. NTB said the commission will examine relations between Norwegian authorities and external organizations, foundations and networks in which Norway was involved.
