NAZARBAYEV WINS EXTENSION.

With percentages reminiscent of Soviet times, Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev had his term extended until December 2000 in an April 29 referendum. More than 90% of eligible voters participated, and more than 95% voted to allow Nazarbayev to stay in office without being forced to compete for reelection in 1996, Almaty officials told journalists April 30. He is the third Central Asian president to have taken this step. Having dissolved parliament a month ago, Nazarbayev can now rule by decree. While Western officials generally supported the Kazakhstan leader’s earlier moves, they were distinctly cool to this latest step despite Nazarbayev’s promises to hold parliamentary elections soon and to conduct referenda on important issues.

Last Warhead Leaves Kazakhstan.