The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests more time to respond about the Epstein case
Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested an extension until March 10 to answer a set of questions regarding the Epstein case, citing the complexity and breadth of the queries.
On February 12th, the Norwegian Parliament's Control and Constitution Committee sent 30 questions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD). Originally, they were set to respond by February 24th. However, on February 16th, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide requested an extension until March 10th to provide answers. Eide explained that the questions are numerous and complex, with several concerning historical context, necessitating more time for a thorough response.
Committee leader Per-Willy Amundsen affirmed the request for more time, highlighting the intricate nature of the inquiry. He noted that due to the comprehensive nature of the questions, no single question could be deemed the most crucial; rather, it is the overall context that demands careful consideration. This indicates that the committee seeks a detailed and nuanced understanding of the issues surrounding the Ministryβs adherence to ethical guidelines and potential security breaches.
The inquiry is significant as it investigates not only the ethical compliance of diplomatic personnel but also broader implications involving national security and relations with allies. The Epstein case has raised numerous concerns worldwide, and Norway's response carries weight in understanding its diplomatic integrity and safeguarding the nation's alliances, thus highlighting the gravity of the issues at hand.