Leaders pose for a photograph after signing the declaration founding the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Almaty, in this December 21, 1991 file photography. The Soviet Union, we had always thought, was surely too big to fail. We had all seen the bare shelves in the shops. We knew that many constituent republics had declared their independence. But this was still my almighty Soviet Union, the only country this 20-year-old photojournalist from Kazakhstan had ever known. Pictured are (L-R) Serikbolsyn Abdildin, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kazakhstan, Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Belarus, Stanislav Shushkevich, Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan , Moldovian President Mircea Snegur and Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov. To match Witness CIS-KAZAKHSTAN REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (KAZAKHSTAN - Tags: POLITICS)

Independence Day fireworks light the sky above the gold-plated statue of Turkmenistan's former leader Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat in this October 27, 2002 file photo. The rotating gold statue of Niyazov, who called himself "Turkmenbashi", is to be removed from the centre of the capital, state media said on Saturday, as his successor chips away at the late president's personality cult. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/FIles (TURKMENISTAN)

RNPS IMAGES OF THE YEAR 2007 - Delegates of the People's Council, the Halk Maslakhaty, approve of the presidency of Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov during his inauguration in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Dancers perform in a theatre at a new cultural centre in the Turkmen capital Ashgabat as a portrait of Turkmenistan's late leader Saparmurat Niyazov hangs in the centre, February 16, 2007. Picture taken on February 16, 2007. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new president Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov kisses the Turkmen national flag during his inauguration in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Mykola Lazarenko/Pool (TURKMENISTAN)

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko (R) talks with Turkmenistan's new president Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov after Berdymukhamedov's inauguration in Ashgabad February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Mykola Lazarenko/Pool (TURKMENISTAN)

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko (R) shakes hands with Turkmenistan's new president Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov after Berdymukhamedov's inauguration in Ashgabad February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Mykola Lazarenko/Pool (TURKMENISTAN)

A delegate of the People's Council, the Halk Maslakhaty, holds up a portrait of late President Saparmurat Niyayzov during a ceremony to swear in Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Mykola Lazarenko/Pool (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov swears in as president during his inaugurationin Ashgabad February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Women wave Turkmen national flags after Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov was sworn in as Turkmenistan's new president in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and to respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Delegates of the People's Council, the Halk Maslakhaty, applaud during a ceremony to swear in Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and to respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Delegates of the People's Council, the Halk Maslakhaty, sing the national anthem during a ceremony to swear in Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and to respect existing energy contracts REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev (L) speaks with Turkmenistan's new President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov after his inauguration in Ashgabad February 14, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and to respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Members of a military band are reflected in a brass instrument at a ceremony following Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov's inauguration as Turkmenistan's new president in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and to respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyib Erdogan (L) shakes hands with Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai after the inauguration ceremony of Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (not pictured) in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Delegates of the People's Council, the Halk Maslakhaty, applaud during a ceremony to swear in Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (C) swears on the constitution during his inauguration as President in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (top L) watches a military parade after his inauguration in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (C) greets guests after his inauguration in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov attends a photocall after his inauguration in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (C) walks fast foreign leaders after his inauguration in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Front row L-R: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, Presidents Imomali Rakhmonov of Tajikistan, Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine and Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Delegates of the People's Council, the Halk Maslakhaty, approve of the presidency of Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov during his inauguration in Ashgabat February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (R) claps during his inauguration as president in Ashgabad February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (L) swears an oath during his inauguration as president in Ashgabad February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's new leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov (C) swears an oath during his inauguration as president in Ashgabad February 14, 2007. Berdymukhamedov became gas-rich Turkmenistan's new president on Wednesday, pledging to follow a path set by late authoritarian leader Saparmurat Niyazov and respect existing energy contracts. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

A voter casts her ballot in front of a portrait of late president Saparmurat Niyazov at a polling station in Ag-Bugday, a collective farm outside the capital Ashgabat February 11, 2007. Turkmenistan was choosing a new president in its first contested election on Sunday but the outcome was beyond doubt and diplomats say they expect as best only gradual change in the reclusive Central Asian country. Foreign ministry officials accompanied journalists covering the election. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A worker replaces a portrait of Turkmenistan's former President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov with a new one on the wall of a cultural centre in Ashgabat February 9, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 to replace Niyazov, who died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A worker replaces a portrait of Turkmenistan's former President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov with a new one on the wall of a cultural centre in Ashgabat February 9, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 to replace Niyazov, who died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A woman sells rice at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A woman buys fresh meat at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A woman cooks pilau, famous spicy meal of meat and rice, at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A woman cooks pastry at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A ballot box stands in front of a bust of former President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov at a polling station in the Turkmen town of Kipchak, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A man sells carpets at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A man sells carpets at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A woman cooks pilau, a spicy meal of meat and rice, at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Meret Ovlaguliyev, an election official, answers reporter's questions at a polling station in the Turkmen town of Kipchak as he stands in front of a portrait of former President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A woman sells lemons at the Jygerluk market on the outskirts of Ashgabat, February 8, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A golden statue of former Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov is seen in the centre of Ashgabat February 6, 2007. The statue rotates during the day to follow the sun. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. Picture taken February 6, 2007. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Women walk past a poster showing the six candidates for Turkmenistan's presidential election in Ashgabat February 7, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, seen at the top right corner on the poster, is widely expected to win the election. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A man walks past a poster showing the six candidates for Turkmenistan's presidential election as a traffic policeman watches in Ashgabat February 7, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, seen at top left on the poster, is widely expected to win the election. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

A woman looks up at a poster showing the six candidates for Turkmenistan's presidential election in the capital Ashgabat February 7, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, seen at centre top on the poster, is widely expected to win the election. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's acting President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov listens to the national anthem below a portrait of late President Saparmurat Niyazov during a session of Halk Maslakhaty (People's Assembly) in Ashgabat December 26, 2006. Turkmenistan's People's Assembly on Tuesday set February 11 as the date for the new presidential election following the death of President-for-life Niyazov and approved acting President Berdymukhamedov as a candidate for the post along with five unknowns. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

General view of Turkmenistan's Halk Maslakhaty (People's Assembly) congress hall where 2,500 delegates gathered to decide who will succeed late President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat December 26, 2006. Turkmenistan's People's Assembly on Tuesday set February 11 as the date for the new presidential election following the death of President-for-life Niyazov and approved acting President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov as a candidate for the post along with five unknowns. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Delegates attend a session of Turkmenistan's Halk Maslakhaty (People's Assembly) to decide who will succeed late President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat December 26, 2006. Turkmenistan's People's Assembly on Tuesday set February 11, 2007 as the date for the new presidential election following the death of President-for-life Niyazov and approved acting President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov as a candidate for the post along with five unknowns. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Delegates attend a session of Turkmenistan's Halk Maslakhaty (People's Assembly) to decide who will succeed late President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat December 26, 2006. Turkmenistan's People's Assembly on Tuesday set February 11, 2007 as the date for the new presidential election following the death of President-for-life Niyazov and approved acting President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov as a candidate for the post along with five unknowns. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmenistan's acting President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov stands near the coffin of late President Saparmurat Niyazov during his burial in Ashgabat December 24, 2006. Turkmenistan's People's Assembly on Tuesday set February 11 as the date for the new presidential election following the death of President-for-life Niyazov and approved Berdymukhamedov as a candidate for the post along with five unknowns. Picture taken December 24, 2006. QUALITY FROM SOURCE REUTERS/Andriy Mosienko/Pool (RUSSIA)

Turkmenistan's acting President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov stands near the coffin of late President Saparmurat Niyazov during his burial in Ashgabat December 24, 2006. Turkmenistan's People's Assembly on Tuesday set February 11 as the date for the new presidential election following the death of President-for-life Niyazov and approved Berdymukhamedov as a candidate for the post along with five unknowns. Picture taken December 24, 2006. QUALITY FROM SOURCE REUTERS/Andriy Mosienko/Pool (RUSSIA)

Turkey's delegation headed by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (4th L) attend the funeral ceremony of President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Burhan Ozbilici/Pool

People carry the coffin of President Saparmurat Niyazov into the mosque at his hometown of Kipchak, 15 km (9 miles) from Ashgabat December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Burhan Ozbilici/Pool

Turkmen people attend the religious funeral service of President Saparmurat Niyazov at his hometown of Kipchak, 15 km (9 miles) from Ashgabat December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Burhan Ozbilici/Pool

People watch the funeral ceremony of Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov at Ashgabat airport December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili (TURKMENISTAN)

Ukraine's delegation led by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich takes part in the funeral of Turkmen president Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Andrei Mosienko/Pool (TURKMENISTAN)

Ukraine's delegation led by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich takes part in the funeral of Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Andrei Mosienko/Pool (TURKMENISTAN)

Soldiers stand guard next to the coffin with Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat, December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmen national flag is flying half mast during the funeral ceremony of Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat, December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili (TURKMENISTAN)

Turkmen citizens watch the funeral cortege of the late President Saparmurat Niyazov in central Ashgabat, December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN)

Soldiers stand guard next to the coffin with Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat, December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

A soldier stands guard at the portrait of Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov with a black ribbon during his funeral in Ashgabat, December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)

People stand in line to take part in the funeral of Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat, December 24, 2006. Thousands of people massed in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabad on Sunday to pay their last respects to authoritarian leader Niyazov who died after 21 years of iron-fist rule. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (TURKMENISTAN)