Arana Osorio, Carlos

Arana Osorio, Carlos (kär'lōs ärä'nä ōsō'ryō) [key], 1918–2003, president of Guatemala (1970–74). A conservative army colonel noted for his successes during an antiguerrilla campaign (1966–68), he was elected president on a law-and-order platform. He declared (Nov., 1970) a state of siege, which resulted in the suspension of civil liberties, and directed a vigorous campaign that brought a decline in guerrilla-terrorist activities. Political opponents, student radicals, and labor groups also were harassed and persecuted. He instituted a five-year development plan (1971–75) that had little effect on the country, and later served as ambassador to Nicaragua.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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