Mexican President Vicente Fox on Wednesday vowed to end months of conflict in the southern city of Oaxaca before his term in office finished on Dec. 1, local media reported.

"I have a duty to ... all Mexicans and the people of Oaxaca to see that we overcome this situation," the president was quoted as saying upon his return from the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Striking teachers have been in a standoff with the authorities in Oaxaca since May, seeking better wages. Clashes between police and protesters have left two people dead and dozens of others injured.

Cabinet officials on Wednesday failed to reach a deal with the Oaxaca People's Assembly, a group overseeing the strike, in their sixth round of talks.

Fox said the government was trying its best to remove all obstacles to ensure a clear road for the next government.

The strike escalated into a political crisis after Oaxaca police were sent in to confront demonstrators. Thousands of sympathizers joined the protests, burning cars and setting up street barricades, it was reported. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Oaxaca state Gov. Ulises Ruiz.

Interior Secretary Carlos Abascal and strike leaders expressed interest in more talks after the stalled meeting on Wednesday, a government statement said.

Source: Xinhua