The career of Kurt Waldheim, who headed the United Nations for 10 years, was overshadowed by claims over his alleged Nazi past.

In 1986, the World Jewish Congress said he belonged to a German army unit that committed atrocities in the Balkans.

Copies of the report of an international commission of historians on the World War II activities of Waldheim were made public in 1988.

Before the controversy over his past, Kurt Waldheim pursued a distinguished diplomatic career, culminating in 10 years as UN Secretary General, a post he was elected to in 1971.

The war in Vietnam and the continuing tension between Israel and its Arab neighbours were high on his agenda at the beginning of his UN tenure.

He was re-elected to a second five-year term in 1976.

The allegations over his past arose shortly after his nomination for the role of Austrian president, but many did not believe the accusations and he was elected in 1986.

After his election, Waldheim found himself ostracised by all but a handful of countries.

Waldheim said his accusers had lied and faked evidence.