Zurab Zhvania's Star to Be Opened in front of Council of Europe Palace

The Council of Europe will open a commemorative star in memory ex-Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania (1963-2005).

The name of Zurab Zhvania and his famous phrase: "I am Georgian and therefore I am European" will be inscribed on the star. This phrase was pronounced by Zhvania at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly 20 years ago after the Assembly unanimously supported Georgia's accession to the Council of Europe.

Zhvania was an outstanding politician in Georgia. In 1995 he became the Chairman of Parliament and maintained the post until his resignation in 1999, which was followed with a discharge of other ministers, whom Zhvania suspected of corruption.

From 1993 to 2003, Zhvania remained in opposition fighting Shevardnadze's government. In 2003, Zhvania united with other opposition leaders, mainly Burdjanadze and Saakashvili and held non-violent protests against the government. The protests ended with the resignation of Shevardnadze and election of Saakashvili as President. Zhvania became Prime Minister and served in the post until his death in 2005.

On February 3, 2005, Zhvania and Kvemo Kartli Governor Raul Usubov were found dead in a rented apartment in Tbilisi.

The official version of Zhvania's death that it occurred because of a problem with the gas heater is not accepted by members of his family and some opposition members. They believe that Zhvania was killed.

By Thea Morrison