OAXACA CITY - The Oaxaca teachers union suspended an assembly on Saturday and criticized allied protesters for "generating a tense environment."

A visibly upset Enrique Rueda Pacheco, the teachers union leader, told reporters the assembly was canceled after Radio Universidad, controlled by the Oaxaca People´s Assembly (APPO), began summoning people to the assembly and using inflammatory language.

"This same type of approach produced a tense atmosphere before our last assembly and led to violence," Rueda said. "I would ask that APPO and Radio Universidad stop making announcements in the name of the teachers union."

The previous assembly took place on Oct. 28 and was delayed six hours after crowds gathered and harassed the leadership, even pelting Rueda with eggs and vegetables after it became apparent he was recommending an end to their strike.

Saturday´s assembly was due to discuss the aborted return to classes in the state capital after federal police were ordered to the city by President Fox and to review how the first week of classes went elsewhere in the state.

Also Saturday, APPO leaders said they are making plans to block highways around the state and take over government buildings throughout Oaxaca.