The World - News from March 1, 1987

South Korea launched a massive dam project near the Demilitarized Zone to counter what it claims is a threat from a dam under construction in Communist North Korea. During ground-breaking ceremonies near Hwachon, northeast of Seoul, Prime Minister Lho Shin Yong said the “peace dam” is intended “to safeguard our survival and prosperity.” Seoul officials claim the North Korean dam could flood important military and industrial areas in the South. The South’s dam, to be built on the Han River for an estimated $697 million, is designed to hold back such floodwaters. Lho urged the North to stop construction and begin a dialogue “to discuss the joint utilization of water resources.”