The reformist Prime Minister of Georgia, Zurab Zhvania, has been found dead. Media sources indicate that the 44 year old's death was likely due to a gas leak at a friend's home. Russia has denied any involvement in the Prime Minister's death. The friend was also found. Apparently the two were drinking and playing backgammon. Security forces broke down the apartment door when Zhvania did not answer a cell-phone call.

Zhvania serves as President Mikhail Saakashvili Prime Minister and was one of the key leaders involved in overthrowing Eduard Shevardnadze, a former Soviet leader, from the Georgian Presidency.

Zhvania was a U.S. trained lawyer who sought to make Georgia a more Western leaning democracy. He was also seen as a moderating force between Georgia and pro-Russian seperatists in South Ossetia [info here].

Russia and Georgia have been involved in a low-intensity war in South Ossetia for some time. The province has been in a de facto state of independence and has declared its intentions to join with the Russian Federation. Georgia has refused to recognize independence and is engaged in military operations to cut the rebel province off from North Ossetia, which is in Russia.

Beslan, in North Ossetia, was the scene of a bloody hostage crisis ending when Russian forces stormed a school where terrorists were holding hundreds of children hostage [info here].

The Georgian Prime Minister's death comes shortly after the newly elected Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin. Many suspected that the Russian backed opponents to the then Presidential candidate were behind the attempted murder. Others suspect the Russians were directly involved in the poisoning.

Given the conflict between Russia and Georgia it is inevitable that many Georgians would suspect Russian foul play. At least one member of Georgia's Parliament has already expressed that opinion.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov categorically denied Russian involvement in Zhvania's death. He described statements made by Georgian politicians that “certain forces in Russia” could be behind the Prime Minister’s death as politically motivated. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent his condolences.

Compiled from: Xinhua, UNA Georgia, SMH, Jawa Report

Others: James Joyner, Jeff Quinton

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