By Olivia Williams PUBLISHED: 07:11 EST, 7 March 2013 | UPDATED: 10:21 EST, 7 March 2013 A Venezuelan-owned oil company caused outrage this week after flying flags at half-mast at its American office after the death of Hugo Chavez. Citgo, which is owned by the Venezuelan government, lowered its flags as a tribute to the late President, incensing residents in Houston, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, who said they were offended by the gesture. Protocol allows flags to be lowered for foreign dignitaries, but Chavez was a controversial leader who as was antagonistic towards the U.S. Jarring: The Citgo flags at half mast to honor President Hugo Chavez in Houston, Texas
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Hugo Chavez was a highly outspoken critic of the U.S.
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Last time flags were lowered in Houston was the death of Neil Armstrong
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Locals left 'disgusted' and 'disappointed'
At one point Mr Chavez even blamed the @placeholder government for his cancer.