The Autheim dam is the first in Iraq to be built under U.N.-imposed economic sanctions RELATED VIDEO CNN's James Martone tours the $10 million facility Windows Media 28K 80K

March 23, 1999
Web posted at: 6:47 p.m. EDT (1847 GMT)

From Correspondent James Martone

EL AUTHEIM, Iraq (CNN) -- In the parched landscape 170 kilometers (105 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq officials unveiled the country's newest dam. Proof, they say, that an eight-year economic embargo and U.S.-British airstrikes won't stop progress.

"This is a civilized, peaceful response to the aggression of the evildoers," said Iraqi Irrigation Minister Mahmoud Dhiab el Ahmed. "The Americans bomb us on a daily basis ... it is one of their objectives to stop us from developing."

Officials say the dam, due to open next month, is being built with machines and equipment that date back to before the 1991 Gulf War.

It will be fed by rainwater and the nearby Autheim river to provide fertile farmland and much-needed electricity.

The Autheim dam is Iraq's sixth major dam but the first to be built under U.N.-imposed economic sanctions. It is set to begin operations April 28, the birthday of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Diplomats touring the construction site expressed admiration and amazement that Iraq found the estimated $10 million needed to build the Autheim dam.

"Of course I admire these accomplishments. At the same time, I am wondering, how do they succeed to do this in such circumstances?" said George Tsarllescu, Romania's ambassador to Iraq.

The last stop on the tour took the diplomats past the remnants of another dam that stood on the Autheim river 4,000 years ago. A reminder, Iraqi officials said, of the region's deeply rooted traditions.

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