Women walk in front of monument to Turkmenistan's former President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, December 22, 2006. To match story TURKMENISTAN-ECONOMY/ REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo 

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) 

Removal work of the gold-plated rotating statue of Turkmenistan's former leader Saparmurat Niyazov continues in Ashgabat July 20, 2010. Turkmenistan's president Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov ordered earlier this year the removal of a prominent statue of former dictator Niyazov, in a move to assert his own authority and chip away at the personality cult of his predecessor. REUTERS/Juang Chao (TURKMENISTAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

A wedding convoy passes a Turkmen flag near the mausoleum of the country's former leader Saparmurat Niyazov near the capital Ashgabat February 19, 2009. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKMENISTAN) 

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) 

A golden statue of Turkmenistan's late leader Saparmurat Niyazov is seen in front of people forming a mass display at a stadium in Ashgabat December 12, 2007. Turkmenistan celebrates the Day of Neutrality as a national holiday on Wednesday. REUTERS/Stringer (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) 

A member of the Halk Maslakhaty or People's Council holds a portrait of the late Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov as delegates gather for a session of the council near the ancient city of Mary in southeastern Turkmenistan March 30, 2007. Turkmen leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov said on Friday his main task was to further raise living standards in the gas-rich Central Asian state as he took a further step towards concentrating power in his hands. REUTERS/Michael Steen (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 child walks past a portrait of the late President Turkmen Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat February 10, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the man set to become the next leader of Turkmenistan, a gas-rich Central Asian state, is a low-key political operator who survived as a minister during 10 years of constant cabinet culls in the reclusive state. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on Sunday after President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN) 

A woman sweeps the street in front of a giant model of a reptile in a theme park in Ashgabat February 10, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the man set to become the next leader of Turkmenistan, a gas-rich Central Asian state, is a low-key political operator who survived as a minister during 10 years of constant cabinet culls in the reclusive state. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on Sunday after President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN) 

A woman walks past a shelve stocked with tea tins sporting portraits of the late President Saparmurat Niyazov in a shop in Ashgabat February 10, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the man set to become the next leader of Turkmenistan, a gas-rich Central Asian state, is a low-key political operator who survived as a minister during 10 years of constant cabinet culls in the reclusive state. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on Sunday after President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Michael Steen (TURKMENISTAN) 

Students hold Turkmenistan's national flags as they parade in front of the Magtymguly State University in Ashgabat February 10, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the man set to become the next leader of Turkmenistan, a gas-rich Central Asian state, is a low-key political operator who survived as a minister during 10 years of constant cabinet culls in the reclusive state. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on Sunday after President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKMENISTAN) 

Students hold Turkmenistan's national flags as they stand in front of the Magtymguly State University in Ashgabat February 10, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the man set to become the next leader of Turkmenistan, a gas-rich Central Asian state, is a low-key political operator who survived as a minister during 10 years of constant cabinet culls in the reclusive state. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on Sunday after President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKMENISTAN) 

Women walk past a poster showing the six candidates for Turkmenistan's presidential elections in Ashgabat February 10, 2007. Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the man set to become the next leader of Turkmenistan, a gas-rich Central Asian state, is a low-key political operator who survived as a minister during 10 years of constant cabinet culls in the reclusive state. Turkmenistan is to hold a presidential election on Sunday after President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKMENISTAN) 

People walk past a portrait of the late President Saparmurat Niyazov in Ashgabat February 10, 2007. Turkmenistan chooses a president on Sunday in an election that has offered some glimmers of change in the authoritarian Central Asian state, even though everyone knows which of the six candidates will win. Human rights groups have condemned the election to replace late President Saparmurat Niyazov, who died of a heart attack in December, as a sham that will consolidate "a new dictatorship" in one of the largest natural gas producers. REUTERS/Stringer (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) 

A woman walks past an election poster showing the main candidates in the upcoming presidential elections, in Ashgabat February 3, 2007. Turkmenistan is to hold presidential elections on February 11 after President-For-Life Saparmurat Niyazov died in December last year. This election will be its first with more than one name on the ballot paper. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKMENISTAN) 

Women walk past a poster showing candidates for next month's presidential election in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat January 13, 2007. Presidential elections in the oil-rich Central Asian state of 5 million are scheduled for February 11, after President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled the country with an iron fist, died unexpectedly on December 21 last year. The slogan at the top of the poster reads: "A legitimate government is the most just government, for the People are equal before the law." REUTERS/Stringer (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)