US Embassy in Turkey lifts all visa restrictions

The US Embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara said on Thursday it lifted all restrictions on visa services, after Turkey fulfilled high-level assurances on detained local embassy personnel, easing a months-long row.

"Based on adherence to these assurances, the Department of State is confident that the security posture has improved sufficiently to allow for the full resumption of visa services in Turkey," the embassy said in a statement.

The statement said the US continued to have serious concerns about the allegations against its employees.

Turkey's lira firmed after the statement to 3.78 against the dollar, its highest level since October 31.