Though it might be an exaggeration to characterize Oaxaca City as tranquil, the fact that streets were clear, the Zócalo was open and no buildings or radio stations were in the hands of the opposition movement that occupied this city since mid-June helped provide a sense of normalcy.

Public transport was running regularly again and the routes that cross through the Historic Center were in operation for the first time since June.

The Benito Juárez Autonomous University - which was the main encampment of the Oaxaca People´s Assembly (APPO) - reopened its doors to students and reclaimed its radio station, Radio Universidad, after APPO turned it over to university officials on Wednesday.

APPO had used the radio station to inform listeners about its movement and to advise supporters about police and paramilitary activities.

Although there was still a notable police presence, there were fewer Federal Preventative Police (PFP) troops patrolling the capital.

The PFP was primarily concentrated near the Zócalo to keep protesters out, and at the nearby Parque Paseo Juárez.

There were even occasional patrols conducted by state policemen, and state judicial officers.

In that vein, teachers union officials complained about the ongoing detention of teachers and APPO supporters by state authorities, although state officials deny they are responsible.

Before dawn on Thursday, Flavio Sosa, an APPO figurehead, and three other APPO leaders were spirited out of Oaxaca City after they had spent four nights hidden in a cathedral annex.

Sosa´s brother was arrested on Tuesday and APPO leaders said they feared arrest and torture at the hands of state officials.