Political pressure is mounting in Norway for an investigation into the 'private archive' of Terje Rød-Larsen, a pivotal figure in the Middle East peace process. Hilde Henriksen Waage, a well-regarded Middle East researcher, has been attempting to access these documents for over two decades and recounts how the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) intervened to halt her critical research project. Waage recalls being summoned to Mona Juul's office when Juul was Deputy Secretary of State, where she was informed that her research had to be curtailed due to its potential impact on Norway's diplomatic role in the peace process.

Waage's assertions reflect broader concerns regarding the protection of this 'important network' by the Norwegian government, aimed at preserving the image of Norway as a peace broker, especially noting the significant contributions of Rød-Larsen and his wife in the 1993 Oslo Accords. She argues that the way individuals involved have operated throughout their careers is not surprising, and suggests that their influence on historical narratives regarding Norway's involvement in the Middle East is substantial. The ongoing secrets and the governmental protective stance raise vital questions about transparency and accountability within Norwegian diplomacy.

The Oslo Accords, which established a peace process between Israel and Palestine, place Rød-Larsen and his wife, Mona Juul, at the center of a narrative that the Norwegian government has crafted over the years. Waage's critical perspective could shed light on the complexities of this narrative and its implications for both historical understanding and current diplomatic practices. The demand for transparency in accessing Rød-Larsen's private archive could significantly alter public perception and historical discourse around Norway's role in global peace efforts.