Argentina declares three days of mourning

Argentinean President Alberto Fernandez has declared three days of mourning for ex-President Carlos Menem's death, the administration of the president reports.

Fernandez expressed his condolences in a Twitter post.

"He always chose democracy. In the times of dictatorship, he was persecuted and sent to prison," Fernandez posted on Twitter.

Carlos Menem passed away today. 

Menem took office in July 1989 and promoted laws to reform the government and the economy.