News / People
Former UN leader and Nazi Kurt Waldheim dies at 88
Former UN Secretary General and Austrian President Kurt Waldheim died Thursday at the age of 88. Throughout his time as UN Chief from 1972 to 1982 and president of Austria from 1986 to 1992 he faced opposition for his association with wartime crimes involving the Nazi’s.
In June of 1986 he won the Austrian presidency but reports that he knew about Nazi war crimes surfaced and he was snubbed by other countries. As a result of his elections as president Israel boycotted his inauguration and recalled their ambassador. The United States listed him as a "potential undesirable" on their "watch list."
Waldheim continued to deny accusations about his role with the Nazis. After numerous publications revealed findings on his wartime activities he said "I was only doing my duty" and "I have only obeyed orders."
After those publications many expected Waldheim to resign. He continued as the president and said "A head of state must not give in to slander, hate, demonstrations and mass condemnation."
Publications revealed he had been a member of the Nazi party’s political militia called the SA since 1938. Waldheim claimed he was forced to enter the militia and was only a member of the Consular Academy’s riding club and their activities were "purely athletic" and "had nothing to do with the (Nazi) party." He was also accused of taking part the deportation of Jews and crimes against Yugoslav partisans. Waldheim admitted he served as a low ranking officer in the Balkans.
Waldheim traveled around the world preaching about his "Christian vision of the world" as the UN Secretary General. He also helped organize concerts and international conferences.
Waldheim had a heart attack in May and his health had been declining ever since. He was surrounded by his family when he died.
