US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Turkey to quickly release other Americans in detention after it freed a pastor at the centre of a crisis in relations.

"Pastor (Andrew) Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained US citizens and State Department locally employed staff," Pompeo tweeted Friday.

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Pastor Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained U.S. citizens and <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> locally employed staff.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1050861466553856000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The world should know that (President Donald Trump) and the State Department continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained," he tweeted.

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It’s a great day for America! Another American citizen has been released. The world should know that <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1050861467954831360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The United States had imposed tariffs and sanctioned senior government officials to pressure Turkey on Brunson, whose two-year detention had particularly outraged Trump's conservative Christian base.

But two Turkish employees of US diplomatic missions remain in jail. One of them, former Adana consulate staffer Hamza Ulucay, was Friday denied release in a separate court hearing.

And NASA scientist Serkan Golge, a dual US-Turkish national, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in February on terror charges, a term reduced to five years last month.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Turkey to quickly release other Americans in detention after it freed a pastor at the centre of a crisis in relations.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Turkey to quickly release other Americans in detention after it freed a pastor at the centre of a crisis in relations. "Pastor (Andrew) Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained US citizens and State Department locally employed staff," Pompeo tweeted Friday. Pastor Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained U.S. citizens and @StateDept locally employed staff. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 12, 2018 × "The world should know that (President Donald Trump) and the State Department continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained," he tweeted. It’s a great day for America! Another American citizen has been released. The world should know that @POTUS and @StateDept continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 12, 2018 × The United States had imposed tariffs and sanctioned senior government officials to pressure Turkey on Brunson, whose two-year detention had particularly outraged Trump's conservative Christian base. But two Turkish employees of US diplomatic missions remain in jail. One of them, former Adana consulate staffer Hamza Ulucay, was Friday denied release in a separate court hearing. And NASA scientist Serkan Golge, a dual US-Turkish national, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in February on terror charges, a term reduced to five years last month.

Pompeo urges Turkey to release remaining detained Americans

US pastor Andrew Brunson was flown out of Turkey on Friday after a court freed him from two years of detention, in a step that could improve US-Turkish ties strained by disputes over Syria, Iran and Ankara's planned purchase of Russian military equipment.

Evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson and his wife were greeted by US Ambassador Richard Grenell during a refuelling stop in Germany, the envoy said on social network Twitter. US media said the meeting took place at Ramstein Air Base in southwestern Germany.

"He's almost home thanks to @realDonaldTrump," Grenell wrote. "When I presented him with the US flag, he immediately kissed it."

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I welcomed Pastor Brunson &amp; his wife to Germany on their refueling stop. He’s almost home thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
When I presented him with the US flag, he immediately kissed it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/agratefulnation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#agratefulnation</a> <a href="https://t.co/b82gA7PXVr">pic.twitter.com/b82gA7PXVr</a>
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell/status/1050904034310275073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Brunson was expected to land at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at around noon EDT (1600 GMT) on Saturday after a stop in Germany for a medical check-up. President Donald Trump said Brunson would probably visit the White House Oval Office on Saturday.

Brunson was jailed two year ago and had been under house arrest since July. He was accused of links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey's government for a coup attempt in 2016.&nbsp;

The Turkish court sentenced Brunson to three years and 1-1/2 months in prison on terrorism charges, but said he would not serve any further jail time and freed him.

US pastor Andrew Brunson was flown out of Turkey on Friday after a court freed him from two years of detention, in a step that could improve US-Turkish ties strained by disputes over Syria, Iran and Ankara's planned purchase of Russian military equipment.

US pastor Andrew Brunson was flown out of Turkey on Friday after a court freed him from two years of detention, in a step that could improve US-Turkish ties strained by disputes over Syria, Iran and Ankara's planned purchase of Russian military equipment. Evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson and his wife were greeted by US Ambassador Richard Grenell during a refuelling stop in Germany, the envoy said on social network Twitter. US media said the meeting took place at Ramstein Air Base in southwestern Germany. "He's almost home thanks to @realDonaldTrump," Grenell wrote. "When I presented him with the US flag, he immediately kissed it." I welcomed Pastor Brunson & his wife to Germany on their refueling stop. He’s almost home thanks to @realDonaldTrump. When I presented him with the US flag, he immediately kissed it. #agratefulnation pic.twitter.com/b82gA7PXVr — Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) October 13, 2018 × Brunson was expected to land at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at around noon EDT (1600 GMT) on Saturday after a stop in Germany for a medical check-up. President Donald Trump said Brunson would probably visit the White House Oval Office on Saturday. Brunson was jailed two year ago and had been under house arrest since July. He was accused of links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey's government for a coup attempt in 2016. The Turkish court sentenced Brunson to three years and 1-1/2 months in prison on terrorism charges, but said he would not serve any further jail time and freed him.

Freed pastor Brunson greeted by US Ambassador at stopover in Germany

US pastor Andrew Brunson who was in detention in Turkey said he was returning home to the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-court-sentences-us-pastor-for-3-years-lifts-house-arrest-travel-ban-171161">Also Read: Turkey court sentences US pastor to over 3 years in jail but allows him to go free</a>

"This is the day our family has been praying for - I am delighted to be on my way home to the United States," Brunson said in a statement.

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PASTOR BRUNSON JUST RELEASED. WILL BE HOME SOON!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1050754462405537798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Trump hailed the move announcing on Twitter that he will be home soon.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon!", the US president declared.

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My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1050747691062493185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Brunson on his part thanked President Trump saying: "My entire family thanks the president, the administration, and Congress for their unwavering support."

Before the judge's ruling, the pastor told the court: "I am an innocent man. I love Jesus, I love Turkey."

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the US military has a plan to fly Brunson back to America on a military aircraft today. A Pentagon spokeswoman told Reuters that the expected plan involved flying Brunson through Germany on the way back to America but did not specify timing.

Turkey had imprisoned Brunson to three years and a half years in prison over terrorism charges two years ago. He was placed under house arrest in July as President Trump imposed sanctions on Turkey over the issue. The pastor lived in Turkey for over 20 years.

The United States had announced the imposition of tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminium and sanctions on two Turkish ministers in the wake of the disputes over Brunson.

Turkey and US relations deteriorated as the Erdogan government decided to keep the US pastor&nbsp;in the country as President Trump imposed stringent sanctions leading the Lira to crash dramatically. The Turkish economy collapsed as a result even as President Erodgan went on the defensive.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo waded into the controversy asserting that it would be a "humanitarian thing" for Turkey to free Brunson.

Brunson was charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt two years ago.&nbsp;Brunson emphatically denied the charge. He faced maximum 35 years in prison if found guilty.

US pastor Andrew Brunson who was in detention in Turkey said he was returning home to the United States. Also Read: Turkey court sentences US pastor to over 3 years in jail but allows him to go free "This is the day our family has been praying for - I am delighted to be on my way home to the United States," Brunson said in a statement.

US pastor Andrew Brunson who was in detention in Turkey said he was returning home to the United States. Also Read: Turkey court sentences US pastor to over 3 years in jail but allows him to go free "This is the day our family has been praying for - I am delighted to be on my way home to the United States," Brunson said in a statement. PASTOR BRUNSON JUST RELEASED. WILL BE HOME SOON! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2018 × President Trump hailed the move announcing on Twitter that he will be home soon. "My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon!", the US president declared. My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2018 × Brunson on his part thanked President Trump saying: "My entire family thanks the president, the administration, and Congress for their unwavering support." Before the judge's ruling, the pastor told the court: "I am an innocent man. I love Jesus, I love Turkey." Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the US military has a plan to fly Brunson back to America on a military aircraft today. A Pentagon spokeswoman told Reuters that the expected plan involved flying Brunson through Germany on the way back to America but did not specify timing. Turkey had imprisoned Brunson to three years and a half years in prison over terrorism charges two years ago. He was placed under house arrest in July as President Trump imposed sanctions on Turkey over the issue. The pastor lived in Turkey for over 20 years. The United States had announced the imposition of tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminium and sanctions on two Turkish ministers in the wake of the disputes over Brunson. Turkey and US relations deteriorated as the Erdogan government decided to keep the US pastor in the country as President Trump imposed stringent sanctions leading the Lira to crash dramatically. The Turkish economy collapsed as a result even as President Erodgan went on the defensive. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo waded into the controversy asserting that it would be a "humanitarian thing" for Turkey to free Brunson. Brunson was charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt two years ago. Brunson emphatically denied the charge. He faced maximum 35 years in prison if found guilty.

Freed US pastor Andrew Brunson to return home from Turkey in military plane; Trump hails move

US President Donald Trump hailed the decision of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-court-sentences-us-pastor-for-3-years-lifts-house-arrest-travel-ban-171161">Turkey court to&nbsp;release the American pastor Andrew Brunson</a> who was detained for the last two years in Turkey.

Trump tweeted, " My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon!

A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of a pastor in a case that sparked a crisis in ties with the United States.

The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail, an AFP correspondent said.

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My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1050747691062493185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, he was freed taking into account time served and his good conduct in the trial, with the court lifting his house arrest and overseas travel ban, the correspondent added.

Brunson's detention since 2016 caused a rift between&nbsp;NATO allies Turkey and the US.

The US also slapped sanctions on Turkey which resulted&nbsp;in a crash in the Turkish lira.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump hailed the decision of the Turkey court to release the American pastor Andrew Brunson who was detained for the last two years in Turkey.

US President Donald Trump hailed the decision of the Turkey court to release the American pastor Andrew Brunson who was detained for the last two years in Turkey. Trump tweeted, " My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon! A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of a pastor in a case that sparked a crisis in ties with the United States. The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail, an AFP correspondent said. My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2018 × However, he was freed taking into account time served and his good conduct in the trial, with the court lifting his house arrest and overseas travel ban, the correspondent added. Brunson's detention since 2016 caused a rift between NATO allies Turkey and the US. The US also slapped sanctions on Turkey which resulted in a crash in the Turkish lira. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says hopes to have freed US pastor 'back home soon'

A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-hopeful-on-pastors-release-unaware-of-any-deal-with-turkey-170961">American pastor held for the last two years in Turkey</a>.

The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail.

However, he was freed taking into account time served and his good conduct in the trial, with the court lifting his house arrest and overseas travel ban.

"I am an innocent man. I love Jesus. I love Turkey," Brunson said in his final defence.

When the verdict was read out, he wept and hugged his wife Norine.

It was not immediately clear where Brunson would go next, although some reports suggested he could fly to the United States imminently.

Brunson was arrested in 2016 on the charges of having&nbsp;links with Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric who is&nbsp;blamed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-resist-us-sanctions-over-pastor-erdogan-168833">Turkey</a> for a failed coup attempt.

He has been under arrest in Turkey&nbsp;for the past two years.

Brunson had earlier denied the accusations and Washington had demanded his immediate release.

A Turkish prosecutor on Friday asked a court to end the house arrest and foreign travel ban of Brunson.

The prosecutor requested that Brunson be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail on charges of membership of a terror group, state-run TRT Haber TV said.&nbsp;

But crucially, the prosecutor had also requested that the court lifts the house arrest and travel ban of Brunson.

Meanwhile, the witnesses that were presented in the court claimed that the previous testimonies attributed to them against an American pastor were inaccurate.

In the wake of the detention of the US pastor, the US had imposed tariffs against Turkey.&nbsp;

With Washington slapping sanctions on Ankara, the crisis also sparked a crash in the Turkish lira in August that exposed Turkey's economic fragility.

Brunson appeared in the courtroom in the western coastal town of Aliaga wearing a black suit, white shirt and red tie. His wife Norine looked on from the visitors' seating area as he listened to testimony from defence and prosecution witnesses.

Brunson's detention deepened a rift between NATO allies Washington and Ankara, who are also at odds over the Syrian war and Turkey's plan to buy missile defences from Russia. The row has also exacerbated a slide in the lira's value which has lost 40 per cent against the dollar this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of an American pastor held for the last two years in Turkey. The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail.

A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of an American pastor held for the last two years in Turkey. The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail. However, he was freed taking into account time served and his good conduct in the trial, with the court lifting his house arrest and overseas travel ban. "I am an innocent man. I love Jesus. I love Turkey," Brunson said in his final defence. When the verdict was read out, he wept and hugged his wife Norine. It was not immediately clear where Brunson would go next, although some reports suggested he could fly to the United States imminently. Brunson was arrested in 2016 on the charges of having links with Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric who is blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt. He has been under arrest in Turkey for the past two years. Brunson had earlier denied the accusations and Washington had demanded his immediate release. A Turkish prosecutor on Friday asked a court to end the house arrest and foreign travel ban of Brunson. The prosecutor requested that Brunson be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail on charges of membership of a terror group, state-run TRT Haber TV said. But crucially, the prosecutor had also requested that the court lifts the house arrest and travel ban of Brunson. Meanwhile, the witnesses that were presented in the court claimed that the previous testimonies attributed to them against an American pastor were inaccurate. In the wake of the detention of the US pastor, the US had imposed tariffs against Turkey. With Washington slapping sanctions on Ankara, the crisis also sparked a crash in the Turkish lira in August that exposed Turkey's economic fragility. Brunson appeared in the courtroom in the western coastal town of Aliaga wearing a black suit, white shirt and red tie. His wife Norine looked on from the visitors' seating area as he listened to testimony from defence and prosecution witnesses. Brunson's detention deepened a rift between NATO allies Washington and Ankara, who are also at odds over the Syrian war and Turkey's plan to buy missile defences from Russia. The row has also exacerbated a slide in the lira's value which has lost 40 per cent against the dollar this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey court sentences US pastor to over 3 years in jail but allows him to go free

The Trump administration is hopeful that American pastor Andrew Brunson who is on trial in Turkey could be freed at a Friday court hearing, but the State Department said it was unaware of any deal with the Turkish government for his release.

NBC News reported on Thursday that the United States and Turkey had reached a deal in which Brunson was supposed to be released and certain charges against him dropped at the court hearing.

In addition to the US&nbsp;State Department, Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at a briefing, declined to confirm any deal, but he voiced hopes for Brunson`s release.

"We remain hopeful that with the court proceeding tomorrow that Turkey will see its way clear and free this good man who is guilty of nothing and who has been incarcerated for several years in Turkey unjustly," Pence said.

"President Trump, our administration, has made it clear that we will continue to stand strong until pastor Brunson is free and back home in the US&nbsp;with his family and his church," added Pence, a devout Christian who has worked to free Brunson for the last two years.

Two senior administration officials said there was no deal with Turkey for Brunson. "We`re hopeful but it's a fluid situation," said one official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The case against Brunson, an evangelical preacher from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for more than 20 years, has become the flashpoint in a diplomatic row between Ankara and Washington, triggering US&nbsp;tariffs and sanctions against Turkey and condemnation from President Donald Trump.

Brunson, who was jailed in October 2016 and transferred to house arrest in July, is due to appear in court on Friday. The prosecution is expected to introduce two new secret witnesses, but Brunson`s lawyer Cem Halavurt said their testimonies were not germane to the case.

The Brunson case has grown into the biggest of several disputes between the NATO allies and has been one of the factors in a 40 per cent slide in value of the Turkish lira this year. Brunson is facing terrorism charges, which he denies.

Late on Wednesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said releasing Brunson would be the right thing for Turkey to do.&nbsp;

NBC cited its sources as saying that under an agreement that US&nbsp;administration officials recently reached with Turkey, Brunson is supposed to be released after certain charges against him are dropped at his next court hearing on Friday.

The Turkish lira firmed on the report.

Despite pressure from the Trump administration, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has insisted that he has no sway over the judiciary and that the courts will decide on Brunson`s fate.&nbsp;

A Turkish official declined to comment on the deal, citing the ongoing judicial process.

The American pastor is charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt in 2016.

Brunson has denied the accusation - as has Gulen - and Washington has demanded his immediate release. Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. Brunson faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted.&nbsp;

The Trump administration is hopeful that American pastor Andrew Brunson who is on trial in Turkey could be freed at a Friday court hearing, but the State Department said it was unaware of any deal with the Turkish government for his release.

The Trump administration is hopeful that American pastor Andrew Brunson who is on trial in Turkey could be freed at a Friday court hearing, but the State Department said it was unaware of any deal with the Turkish government for his release. NBC News reported on Thursday that the United States and Turkey had reached a deal in which Brunson was supposed to be released and certain charges against him dropped at the court hearing. In addition to the US State Department, Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at a briefing, declined to confirm any deal, but he voiced hopes for Brunson`s release. "We remain hopeful that with the court proceeding tomorrow that Turkey will see its way clear and free this good man who is guilty of nothing and who has been incarcerated for several years in Turkey unjustly," Pence said. "President Trump, our administration, has made it clear that we will continue to stand strong until pastor Brunson is free and back home in the US with his family and his church," added Pence, a devout Christian who has worked to free Brunson for the last two years. Two senior administration officials said there was no deal with Turkey for Brunson. "We`re hopeful but it's a fluid situation," said one official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The case against Brunson, an evangelical preacher from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for more than 20 years, has become the flashpoint in a diplomatic row between Ankara and Washington, triggering US tariffs and sanctions against Turkey and condemnation from President Donald Trump. Brunson, who was jailed in October 2016 and transferred to house arrest in July, is due to appear in court on Friday. The prosecution is expected to introduce two new secret witnesses, but Brunson`s lawyer Cem Halavurt said their testimonies were not germane to the case. The Brunson case has grown into the biggest of several disputes between the NATO allies and has been one of the factors in a 40 per cent slide in value of the Turkish lira this year. Brunson is facing terrorism charges, which he denies. Late on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said releasing Brunson would be the right thing for Turkey to do. NBC cited its sources as saying that under an agreement that US administration officials recently reached with Turkey, Brunson is supposed to be released after certain charges against him are dropped at his next court hearing on Friday. The Turkish lira firmed on the report. Despite pressure from the Trump administration, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has insisted that he has no sway over the judiciary and that the courts will decide on Brunson`s fate. A Turkish official declined to comment on the deal, citing the ongoing judicial process. The American pastor is charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt in 2016. Brunson has denied the accusation - as has Gulen - and Washington has demanded his immediate release. Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. Brunson faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted.

US 'hopeful' on pastor's release, unaware of any deal with Turkey

A lawyer for the US pastor whose two-year detention in Turkey led to a bitter row with Washington said on Wednesday he had appealed to the constitutional court for the American's release.

Pastor Andrew Brunson has been under house arrest at his home in the western city of Izmir since July and was previously held in jail after being detained in October 2016 on terror-related charges.

His lawyer, Cem Halavurt, told AFP that he had applied to the court on Tuesday afternoon, although he previously said he would apply on Wednesday morning.

The next hearing in Brunson's case is on October 12 and there are growing expectations that he will be permitted to return to the United States.

Halavurt said the constitutional court "procedure can take a few months" after making the application via a court in Istanbul.

Brunson, who ran a small evangelical Protestant church in Izmir and lived in Turkey for since 1993, is at the centre of tensions between Ankara and Washington.

He faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted on charges of carrying out activities on behalf of two groups deemed by Turkey to be terror organisations -- one led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen who Ankara says was behind the failed 2016 coup and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Brunson and US officials insist he is innocent of all charges.

Relations were further strained after he was put under house arrest and Washington's decision to impose sanctions on two Turkish ministers, and double steel and aluminium tariffs in August, sparking a dramatic fall in the value of the Turkish lira.

But there have been signs that tensions could ease after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was hopeful Turkey would release the pastor while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday said he hoped Ankara could rebuild relations with its NATO ally.

A lawyer for the US pastor whose two-year detention in Turkey led to a bitter row with Washington said on Wednesday he had appealed to the constitutional court for the American's release.

A lawyer for the US pastor whose two-year detention in Turkey led to a bitter row with Washington said on Wednesday he had appealed to the constitutional court for the American's release. Pastor Andrew Brunson has been under house arrest at his home in the western city of Izmir since July and was previously held in jail after being detained in October 2016 on terror-related charges. His lawyer, Cem Halavurt, told AFP that he had applied to the court on Tuesday afternoon, although he previously said he would apply on Wednesday morning. The next hearing in Brunson's case is on October 12 and there are growing expectations that he will be permitted to return to the United States. Halavurt said the constitutional court "procedure can take a few months" after making the application via a court in Istanbul. Brunson, who ran a small evangelical Protestant church in Izmir and lived in Turkey for since 1993, is at the centre of tensions between Ankara and Washington. He faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted on charges of carrying out activities on behalf of two groups deemed by Turkey to be terror organisations -- one led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen who Ankara says was behind the failed 2016 coup and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Brunson and US officials insist he is innocent of all charges. Relations were further strained after he was put under house arrest and Washington's decision to impose sanctions on two Turkish ministers, and double steel and aluminium tariffs in August, sparking a dramatic fall in the value of the Turkish lira. But there have been signs that tensions could ease after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was hopeful Turkey would release the pastor while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday said he hoped Ankara could rebuild relations with its NATO ally.

US pastor's lawyer lodges appeal at top Turkey court

Turkey will resist US&nbsp;efforts to impose sanctions on Ankara over the trial of a Christian pastor who has been detained for two years, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, accusing the preacher of having "dark links with terror".

The case of evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson, whose next court hearing is on October 12, has plunged ties between Ankara and Washington into crisis, leading to US sanctions and tariffs which helped push Turkey's lira to record lows in August.

Brunson is charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt in 2016. He has denied the charges and Washington has demanded his immediate release.

Relations between the two NATO allies were already strained by disputes over US support for Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, Turkey's plans to buy a Russian missile defence system, and the jailing of a Turkish bank executive for violating US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran.

"We are deeply saddened by the current US government, a strategic partner, targeting our country without any logical, political and strategic consistency," Erdogan said in a speech to a new session of parliament.

Erdogan said Turkey was determined to fight, within legal and diplomatic frameworks, "this crooked understanding, which imposes sanctions using the excuse of a pastor who is tried due to his dark links with terror organisations."

Brunson's case has become the most divisive issue between the two countries. US President Donald Trump believed he and Erdogan had agreed a deal to release him in July, but Ankara has denied agreeing to free the pastor as part of a wider agreement.

Brunson, who has been jailed or held under house arrest since October 2016, faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted. Last month the main prosecutor in his trial was replaced, a move which his lawyer cautiously welcomed, saying it might be a sign of changing political will.

In his speech to the first session of parliament since its summer recess, Erdogan held out the possibility of better relations, while adding that there was still much work to do.

"We can say that we started to make progress towards reaching a common understanding (with the United States), although it is not at the desired level," he said.

He also repeated Turkey's accusation that Washington is protecting Gulen, who has been based in the United States for two decades, and said the conviction in a New York court of an executive of state-owned Halkbank for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran was "an example of unique unlawfulness".

Tensions with Washington contributed to a meltdown in the Turkish lira in August, when the currency hit a record low of 7.20 to the dollar. It had already weakened over concerns at the extent of Erdogan's control of the economy and opposition to raising interest rates to combat double-digit inflation.

Erdogan said Turkey's economy was overcoming what he described as "midnight operations" designed to break it.

"Our economy started rebalancing with measures we have taken, meetings we have realised and programmes we have developed," he told parliament.

The lira firmed more than 2 per cent on Monday, reaching its strongest level in more than six weeks, on growing optimism that Brunson might be released and following a hike in interest rates and the govenrment's new economic programme.

Turkey's exports also rose sharply in September, the trade ministry said, but Turkish manufacturing activity slid to its lowest level in nine years, a business survey showed.

Turkey will resist US efforts to impose sanctions on Ankara over the trial of a Christian pastor who has been detained for two years, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, accusing the preacher of having "dark links with terror".

Turkey will resist US efforts to impose sanctions on Ankara over the trial of a Christian pastor who has been detained for two years, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, accusing the preacher of having "dark links with terror". The case of evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson, whose next court hearing is on October 12, has plunged ties between Ankara and Washington into crisis, leading to US sanctions and tariffs which helped push Turkey's lira to record lows in August. Brunson is charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt in 2016. He has denied the charges and Washington has demanded his immediate release. Relations between the two NATO allies were already strained by disputes over US support for Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, Turkey's plans to buy a Russian missile defence system, and the jailing of a Turkish bank executive for violating US sanctions on Iran. "We are deeply saddened by the current US government, a strategic partner, targeting our country without any logical, political and strategic consistency," Erdogan said in a speech to a new session of parliament. Erdogan said Turkey was determined to fight, within legal and diplomatic frameworks, "this crooked understanding, which imposes sanctions using the excuse of a pastor who is tried due to his dark links with terror organisations." Brunson's case has become the most divisive issue between the two countries. US President Donald Trump believed he and Erdogan had agreed a deal to release him in July, but Ankara has denied agreeing to free the pastor as part of a wider agreement. Brunson, who has been jailed or held under house arrest since October 2016, faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted. Last month the main prosecutor in his trial was replaced, a move which his lawyer cautiously welcomed, saying it might be a sign of changing political will. In his speech to the first session of parliament since its summer recess, Erdogan held out the possibility of better relations, while adding that there was still much work to do. "We can say that we started to make progress towards reaching a common understanding (with the United States), although it is not at the desired level," he said. He also repeated Turkey's accusation that Washington is protecting Gulen, who has been based in the United States for two decades, and said the conviction in a New York court of an executive of state-owned Halkbank for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran was "an example of unique unlawfulness". Tensions with Washington contributed to a meltdown in the Turkish lira in August, when the currency hit a record low of 7.20 to the dollar. It had already weakened over concerns at the extent of Erdogan's control of the economy and opposition to raising interest rates to combat double-digit inflation. Erdogan said Turkey's economy was overcoming what he described as "midnight operations" designed to break it. "Our economy started rebalancing with measures we have taken, meetings we have realised and programmes we have developed," he told parliament. The lira firmed more than 2 per cent on Monday, reaching its strongest level in more than six weeks, on growing optimism that Brunson might be released and following a hike in interest rates and the govenrment's new economic programme. Turkey's exports also rose sharply in September, the trade ministry said, but Turkish manufacturing activity slid to its lowest level in nine years, a business survey showed.

Turkey will resist US sanctions over pastor: Erdogan 

A Turkish prosecutor on Tuesday requested life imprisonment for detained American pastor Andrew Brunson over alleged links to a failed coup attempt in 2016, Dogan news agency reported, a move that could undermine recent efforts to mend bilateral ties.

The U.S. believes that Brunson, who has been jailed pending trial since December 2016, is one of a number of Americans unjustly detained in Turkey. A Christian pastor from North Carolina, Brunson has been living in Turkey for 23 years, running a church, according to an online petition calling for his release.

The prosecutor has charged Brunson of being an &quot;executive&quot; of the terrorist group blamed for the 2016 failed coup, Dogan news agency said. Turkey blames the network of Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Muslim cleric for the attempted putsch.

Last year President Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if the United States handed over Gulen.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last month called for Brunson&#39;s release during a visit to Turkey.

&quot;We continue to have serious concerns... about cases against U.S. citizens who have been arrested under the state of emergency,&quot; Tillerson said, referring to the emergency rule that has been in place since July 2016.

&quot;We call upon Turkey to release Pastor Andrew Brunson and other U.S. citizens whom we believe are being unjustly detained.&quot;

The U.S. and Turkey have been at odds over a number of issues, mainly over support to Kurdish militant group YPG in Syria, a group deemed terrorist by Turkey, and the extradition of Gulen.

Following Tillerson&#39;s visit last month, the two countries formed joint working groups to fix their relations.

The prosecutor has charged Andrew Brunson of being an 'executive' of the terrorist group blamed for the 2016 failed coup

A Turkish prosecutor on Tuesday requested life imprisonment for detained American pastor Andrew Brunson over alleged links to a failed coup attempt in 2016, Dogan news agency reported, a move that could undermine recent efforts to mend bilateral ties. The U.S. believes that Brunson, who has been jailed pending trial since December 2016, is one of a number of Americans unjustly detained in Turkey. A Christian pastor from North Carolina, Brunson has been living in Turkey for 23 years, running a church, according to an online petition calling for his release. The prosecutor has charged Brunson of being an "executive" of the terrorist group blamed for the 2016 failed coup, Dogan news agency said. Turkey blames the network of Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Muslim cleric for the attempted putsch. Last year President Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if the United States handed over Gulen. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last month called for Brunson's release during a visit to Turkey. "We continue to have serious concerns... about cases against U.S. citizens who have been arrested under the state of emergency," Tillerson said, referring to the emergency rule that has been in place since July 2016. "We call upon Turkey to release Pastor Andrew Brunson and other U.S. citizens whom we believe are being unjustly detained." The U.S. and Turkey have been at odds over a number of issues, mainly over support to Kurdish militant group YPG in Syria, a group deemed terrorist by Turkey, and the extradition of Gulen. Following Tillerson's visit last month, the two countries formed joint working groups to fix their relations.

Turkey seeks life in prison for US pastor over 2016 failed coup: Report

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