Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide, Norway's former foreign minister, has addressed the recently surfaced serious allegations related to the International Peace Institute, which was led by Terje Rød-Larsen in 2019. She maintained that the alert regarding the institute was taken seriously by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading to a referral to the Chief Public Prosecutor because it involved potential criminal matters. Her response emphasizes the responsibility of the Ministry in handling such serious allegations and underlines her alignment with the need for accountability.

Søreide disclosed that she was informed of the alert in 2019 and noted her longstanding friendship with Mona Juul, who is married to Rød-Larsen. However, she has insisted that this relationship does not compromise her impartiality regarding the alert. This declaration highlights the complexity and possible conflicts of interest in political and operational responsibilities when dealing with serious accusations within institutions of peace and diplomacy.

In her statement, Søreide called for a thorough independent investigation to restore public trust and ensure that the matter is addressed comprehensively. She expressed that the newly revealed information significantly escalates the situation, making an independent inquiry essential. The implications of this issue not only affect the individuals involved but also resonate across the broader context of international peace efforts and governance in Norway.