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U.N. to hear call to end Iraqi sanctionsWashington to introduce resolution ending Iraq sanctions
UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- The United States has asked for a United Nations Security Council meeting Friday morning to introduce a draft resolution on dropping U.N. sanctions against Iraq -- where conditions remain dangerous for both Iraqis and coalition forces. One U.S. soldier was killed and another injured in two separate shootings in Baghdad Thursday, according to the U.S. Central Command. The first soldier, from the Army's Fifth Corps, was shot and killed at close range by an unknown assailant with a pistol while directing traffic in east Baghdad. The gunman got away, and U.S. troops are searching the area for the man and have enlisted locals to assist in the search. Initial reports that the soldier had been shot by a sniper turned out to be incorrect. In the second incident, a U.S. soldier was shot at close range and injured while directing traffic, also by an unknown gunman in the vicinity of the first shooting. The soldier was taken to a local military medical facility, and his condition is unknown. The gunman also left the scene and was not apprehended, the official said. At the moment, military officials do not believe the two incidents are connected. Neither soldier has been identified. Potentially fatal diseaseIn the southern Iraqi city of Basra, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed four cases of cholera. WHO says dozens more people may have the potentially fatal illness. (More about cholera) Samples from some 50 patients have been sent to a laboratory in Kuwait for testing. Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and shock, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness easily can be prevented and treated -- but WHO spokesman Ian Simpson said Thursday that the conditions in Basra make it difficult to do either. Parts of Basra still don't have clean water, so many people cannot follow basic hygiene procedures such as thoroughly cleansing their hands. And the illness can be transmitted through the water itself, if it is contaminated, Simpson said. The lack of security makes it difficult for some doctors and nurses to come to work, and some vital materials are said to be missing, perhaps stolen. Also, there is not enough money to keep facilities running and pay staffers, Simpson said. "Cholera has a fatality rate of more than 50 percent if it is not treated," he said. "This is probably the most serious health concern in Iraq right now." Several comments Thursday from the U.S. civil administrator for the country, retired. Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, echoed some of Simpson's descriptions of conditions. (Full story) Negroponte: Lift sanctions ASAPMeanwhile at the United Nations, U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte discussed lifting sanctions that first were imposed by the U.N. Security Council on Iraq in August 1990 after its invasion of Kuwait. They were modified in 1996 to allow the oil-for-food program. Negroponte told reporters that the measure should be passed quickly. "Our view is that it's desirable to have this resolution passed ASAP. The June 3 deadline for expiring of the oil-for-food program is very much the outer limit. "There is no reason why a resolution lifting the sanctions on Iraq should take a prolonged period of time to discuss. We think this should be accomplished the next couple of weeks," he said. (Full story) Other developmentsThe Pentagon's Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Aid is considering setting up a special court system in Iraq to try those responsible for crimes against the Iraqi people, a senior U.S. adviser said Thursday. "In all probability we will see some sort of special chamber set up within the Iraqi system composed of Iraqi judges using Iraqi prosecutors who will handle this," said Clint Williamson, the office's adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Justice. (Full story) CNN Correspondents John King, Suzanne Malveaux, Jamie McIntyre, Michael Okwu, Karl Penhaul and Barbara Starr and Producer Matthew McFetridge contributed to this report. EDITOR'S NOTE: CNN's policy is to not report information that puts operational security at risk.
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