By Sher Zieve – 7 Eleven Inc. announced Wednesday that it is canceling its relationship with Venezuela’s government-backed CITGO. Approximately 2,100 7 Eleven convenience stores nationwide sell the CITGO product.

The move is said to be in response to Venezuelan strongman leader Hugo Chavez’ comments at the UN, which vilified President Bush by calling him “the devil” and also disparaged the United States.

7 Eleven spokesperson Margaret Chabris said: "Regardless of politics, we sympathize with many Americans' concern over derogatory comments about our country and its leadership recently made by Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez."