"Such efforts, which would have the effect of enhancing Soviet energy leverage over the Baltics, make a mockery of Western claims to support those whose independence movements are being crushed by precisely this device, " Gaffney added.

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The 71-year-old President Nazarbayev - officially known as Leader of the Nation - has led the country since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and claims to have won 95.5% of the vote in the most recent presidential election.

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The Mau Mau Trust claims that many of its fighters were regularly beaten and tortured by British forces throughout their fight for independence.

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