The World - News from Feb. 17, 1988

Kurt Waldheim’s televised speech defending his World War II record failed to stem a dramatic loss in Austrian public support for his continued presidency, an opinion poll indicated. In his address, Waldheim acknowledged mistakes but said his conscience is clear in regard to his service with a German army unit that committed war crimes in the Balkans. He also claimed that the public supports him. However, a telephone poll taken afterward by the Vienna newspaper Die Presse showed that only 46% of respondents want Waldheim to stay in office. In a Gallup Poll two weeks ago, 72% said they wanted him to stay.