TBILISI, Georgia (AP) – Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania was found dead yesterday following an apparent gas leak from a heater, dealing a blow to President Mikhail Saakashvili’s efforts to wipe out corruption and resolve two simmering separatist conflicts in the impoverished former Soviet republic.

While Georgia’s interior minister said there was no reason to suspect foul play, many Georgians were skeptical given the country’s history of often violent political intrigue. One lawmaker linked Zhvania’s death and a car bombing in a town west of the capital two days earlier, and hinted at Russian involvement.

Outside the home of Zhvania’s mother in central Tbilisi, hundreds of Georgians, many crying, gathered to watch the delivery of a brown wooden coffin. His funeral was scheduled for Sunday.

Saakashvili urged Georgians to remain calm.

“I assume control over the executive branch and I call on members of the Cabinet to return to work and to continue their work as normal,” said a visibly shaken Saakashvili, after lighting candles at Tbilisi’s St Trinity Cathedral.

Eduard Shevardnadze, the longtime Georgian leader who was forced from presidency by popular protests led in part by Zhvania, called the death “an irreparable loss” in remarks broadcast on Russian television.

Several Tbilisi residents said they believed the death was suspicious.

Authorities “have removed Zhvania from the political scene and have cleared the way… for themselves,” said Kote Dgebuadze, a 55 year-old engineer.

An autopsy was under way and initial tests showed Zhvania’s blood had nearly double the fatal level of carbon monoxide, a forensics service spokeswoman said.