GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON NOV 2

HURRIYET
--JOINT REACTION AGAINST SHAMELESS MAN
The Turkish nation, along with most of the media with the exception of some conservative newspapers, slammed Huseyin Uzmez, a columnist for conservative daily Vakit, who was released after being temporarily detained during an investigation into sexual abuse charges involving a 14-year-old girl following the release of a report of findings by the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Organization.

--MERVE'S FAMILY FILES LAWSUIT IN U.S.
Her family filed a lawsuit for record holder Turkish swimmer Merve, who lost her life at the Memphis hospital during a kidney operation after a traffic accident. If the family which claims that their daughter died because of the hospital's neglect, can win the lawsuit and get amends from the hospital where Elvis Presley was born in, they will donate it to students as scholarship.

--IF YOU WANT DEMOCRACY FIRST GIVE UP YOUR WEAPONS
Turkey's Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who arrived in Van under wide protests ignited by Democratic Society Party said, "first give up your weapons if you want democracy, we are against those who go around with guns." "People can't be governed by threats, therefore we say whatever democracy requires, let's do it, but without guns," said Erdogan.

MILLIYET
--PRICE INCREASE TO NATURAL GAS
Consumers and large industrial units strongly reacted against the price increase of state-run oil pipeline company (BOTAS) to natural gas. BOTAS increased price of natural gas 22.5 percent for dwellings and 22 percent for industry. This is the fifth increase to natural gas since the beginning of the year. Prices of natural gas increased 82.5 percent since the beginning of the year.

--BOOK FESTIVAL STARTS
TUYAP book fair opened for the 27th time. The theme of the book fair is, "1968: 40 years ago, after 40 years". 750 authors will meet book lovers in 282 cultural activities in the fair. The author of honor of the book fair is Furuzan.

SABAH
--RESIDENTS OF VAN REACT AGAINST TERRORISM
Despite the threats of terrorist PKK organization, thousands of people gathered in the square with their Turkish flags to attend an inauguration ceremony. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "we will develop against terrorism. If you are to support peace, you should say "lay down arms".

TELEPHONE CALL FROM HIJACKED SHIP GIVES HOPE TO FAMILIES
Crew of the Turkish ship hijacked by pirates off shores of Somalia for the first time telephoned their families and said they were in good condition.

VATAN
--ERDOGAN: "IF YOU WANT PEACE, SAY 'LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS'
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said the biggest fear of the terrorist organization was that the region would reach prosperity. "Those who relay message for peace, should say "lay down arms" if they really want to support peace."

--TURKEY'S EXPORTS DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER 32 MONTHS
Impacts of the global crisis was seen in exports figures in October. Turkey's exports in October for the first time regressed since February 2006. Automotive sector, which was affected by the market shrinkage in the European Union (EU), has an important influence in this regression.

CUMHURIYET
--VAN TURNED INTO A BATTLEFIELD
Premier Erdogan's trip to Van was rather eventful. Clashes broke out between protestors and the police injuring 6 police officers and 7 protestors, one of which is in critical health condition. 44 protestors were taken into police custody. 6 cars were set on fire by protestors, only 400m away from the area where Erdogan addressed a crowd of citizens.

While Democratic Society Party supporters showed off in by-streets, Justice and Development Party was showing off in Cumhuriyet street where Erdogan was delivering a speech.

--FORMER PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CINDORUK: "GET YOUR HANDS OFF THE JUDICIARY"
Husamettin Cindoruk who assessed Constitutional Court's reasoned verdict on the overruled government amendment on turban, said the constitution can not be altered for turban. Cindoruk also asked the politicians to get their hands off the Ergenekon trial.

RADIKAL
--VAN, JUST LIKE BATTLE FIELD YESTERDAY
A clash with stones and weapons broke out yesterday in Van between the police and demonstrators who protested Premier Recep Tayyip ERdogan's trip to their city for an inauguration and his party's congress. One of the demonstrators and a police officer was wounded during the clash where a fire truck and tens of cars were set on fire, and glasses of shops were broken. One of the injured is in critical health condition. Premier Erdogan called on Democratic Society party and said, "I was here when you were not even around here, and I sure will come back," said Erdogan. Erdogan called on PKK and said "if you want peace, surrender your weapons."

--WILSON TELLS ABOUT NOVEMBER 5TH, 2007
The U.S. ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson told how the U.S. decided to help Turkey against the PKK. "The turning point was November 2007. President Bush gathered us in the oval office before meeting Premier Erdogan, and the decision was given there," said Wilson.

YENI SAFAK
--HIJACKED TURKISH SHIP IN DOCK, CREW IN GOOD CONDITION
M/V Yasa Neslihan, the Turkish ship hijacked by Somali pirates, docked to the Eyl pier. The captain called the shipping company and said the crew were in good condition and were being treated well.

--OUTRAGEOUS RAISE IN NATURAL GAS PRICES
The natural gas prices were raised by 22.5 for residences and 22 percent for industrial enterprises. With the 5th wave of raise in natural gas prices in 2008 announced at midnight by Turkey's Petroleum Pipeline Corporation, the prices for home users were raised by 72.7 and prices for industry was raised by 74.9 since the beginning of the year. Chair of Turkey's top Chambers Association, Rifat Hisarciklioglu said, "how are we going to explain this to anybody? Chair of Turkey's Guild Confederation, Bendevi Palandoken said the raise in natural gas and electricity prices would effect all prices.