Chile's First Post-Pinochet President Passes Away

Patricio Aylwin, the first democratic president after the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in Chile died Tuesday at the age of 97.

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Aylwin succeeded Pinochet in March of 1990. During this transitional period, he made a historic apology to the 3200 victims of the dictatorship.

Miguel Aylwin, his eldest son told the press that his death was due to natural causes.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the United States Department of State, said in a statement, "President Aylwin will be remembered as a fighter for justice who presided over the peaceful transition from a military dictatorship to a vibrant democracy."

During his administration from 1990 to 1994, Aylwin most significantly reduced the poverty rate, led the country to economic growth and restored democratic institutions.

Aylwin will be the first former president to receive honors and a state funeral since 1990. The current Bachelet government has decreed three days of national mourning starting Wednesday.