Carlos Julio Arosemena, 84; led Ecuador

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador -- Carlos Julio Arosemena, onetime president of Ecuador whose term ended in a 1963 military coup, died Friday. He was 84.

Family members said he died at home after a lengthy illness.

Elected vice president in 1960, Mr. Arosemena rose to the presidency following the ouster of President Velasco Ibarra a year later in a military coup.

He continued an unpopular economic austerity program implemented by Ibarra, which resulted in a positive trade balance for Ecuador. After Mr. Arosemena survived two attempts to impeach him, the military overthrew him and sent him into exile in Panama.

A colorful, outspoken politician who sported a mane of white hair, he was critized for his leftist rhetoric and his heavy drinking.

"I'm a man of masculine vices and I don't regret them. As long as I have good health, I'll keep on practicing them," he often said in defense of his drinking.

The son and grandson of former presidents, Mr. Arosemena founded Ecuador's Nationalist Revolutionary party.

A lawyer by training, he also served as a diplomat, university professor, senator, congressman, and minister of defense.

President Lucio Gutierrez declared a period of national mourning through Tuesday, ordering flags to fly at half mast across this South American nation.

Mr. Arosemena leaves his wife and two children.