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GUEST: Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program at the International Relations Center, based in Mexico

Last Wednesday, protesters with the Oaxaca Peoples’ Popular Assembly, or APPO as it’s known by its Spanish acronym, surrendered control of a university radio station to educational authorities. Radio APPO had been the backbone of the six-month long rebellion in Oaxaca as activists utilized the airwaves to coordinate massive street demonstrations. The loss of Radio APPO follows the failed attempt by protesters to reclaim Oaxaca City’s main square after a clash with police last Saturday. An estimated 150 people were arrested and 43 more were injured. Meanwhile, a resolution was passed by representatives of 14 indigenous groups condemning federal forces for worsening the crisis in Oaxaca and calling for the immediate resignation of Oaxaca Governor Ulises Ruiz. The conflict in Oaxaca has weighed heavily on incoming President Felipe Calderon. Calderon was initially obstructed from taking his office by leftist lawmakers who blocked most of the congressional chamber’s doors and seized the speaker’s platform. As this interview is being aired, thousands of supporters of former presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, attempted to block the swearing-in ceremony. Calderon was eventually inaugurated.