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The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia held a series of solemn ceremonies on Monday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the deaths of Ambassador Rodger Davies and Cypriot Embassy employee Antoinette Varnava, who were killed on August 19, 1974, during a tumultuous period in Cyprus.
U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Davis Fisher led the observances, which included a wreath-laying ceremony and lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff at the Embassy. Ambassador Fisher also visited Varnava’s gravesite in the village of Kormakitis to pay her respects.
On the 50th anniversary of their deaths, we remember & honor U.S. Ambassador Rodger Davies & Cypriot colleague Antoinette Varnava, killed in the line of duty at U.S. Embassy Nicosia on August 19, 1974. US remains committed to a just and lasting peace on the island:… pic.twitter.com/JVl1NangYB
— Julie Davis Fisher (@USAmbCy) August 19, 2024
Following a moment of silence at the Embassy, Ambassador Fisher emphasized the lasting impact of the tragedy. “The loss of Ambassador Davies and Antoinette Varnava has resonated with the Embassy staff for 50 years, much like the unresolved pain felt across the island for so many others,” Fisher said. “Today, we honor their memory and their dedication to fostering ties between Americans and Cypriots, a mission that continues to guide our efforts.”
Ambassador Fisher reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to peace in Cyprus, stating, “The U.S. remains dedicated to a just and lasting solution on the island, in line with the agreed Security Council framework, for the benefit of all Cypriots.” She also reiterated the Embassy’s support for the bicommunal Committee on Missing Persons, highlighting the importance of recovering and identifying those still unaccounted for, including American citizens.
The events in Cyprus were part of a broader series of commemorations. On August 7, the California National Guard conducted a military honors ceremony at Ambassador Davies’ burial site in El Cerrito, California. Earlier in June, a wreath-laying ceremony at the State Department memorialized Ambassador Davies, with his name inscribed on the Memorial Plaque honoring fallen diplomats. Ambassador Fisher was joined by senior U.S. officials, including Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim, in the tribute.
