WASHINGTON, March 6: The US Congress has adopted legislation normalizing trade relations with Serbia and Montenegro and eliminating customs duties on some imports from developing countries.

The House of Representatives voted 415-11 to pass the measure on Wednesday. The Senate adopted a similar bill last week.

But neither of the bills contains trade privileges for Turkey that were adopted by the House last year.

Instead, they offer tariff reductions for hand-made carpets coming from a number of countries, particularly Pakistan.

“This provision would provide a much-needed benefit to an important ally in the war on terrorism,” said Republican Representative Philip Crane of Illinois, who sponsored the legislation.

Congressional officials said the removal of the Turkish privileges had nothing to do with the failure of that country’s parliament to approve the stationing in Turkey of US troops preparing to take part in possible military action against Iraq.

However, Mr Crane said the issue could be revisited, “if appropriate.”—AFP