Laugerud Kjell Eugenio Garcia, former president of Guatemala from 1974 to 1978, died last night after suffering kidney problems and lung damage according to a report published in Prensa Libre today.

His daughter, Karen Laugerud Lossi, told United Radio this morning that her father's last months were marked by suffering, "But the Lord took him in his arms."

Se added that he had long retired from the political arena, although remained in touch with former colleagues..

Laugerud Garcia, 79, was admitted to the military hospital on Sept. 17 later taken to the Nuestra Senora del Pilar Hospital.

The son of a Norwegian and a Guatemalan Laugerud was born in Guatemala City and in 1945 began a military career that led him to be director of the Escuela Polytecnica, Chief of Staff, Defense Minister and President of the Republic.

To those in Belize, it is recalled that Guatemala was poised to invade Belize under President Laugerud Garcia when this was derailed by the earthquake of 4 February 1976.

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