Serbian forces 'using human shields'

SARAJEVO (AP) - Serbian tanks pulled back yesterday from a key stretch of road connecting Sarajevo and its airport, but the question of the resumption of aid flights remained in limbo despite growing shortages in the Bosnian capital. Sarajevo's old quarter was targeted by Serbian artillery, and a missile exploded next to a group of people waiting for bread, killing five and wounding 30 more, hospital workers said.

Muslim-led forces defending Sarajevo said Serbian fighters were using human shields. A Bosnian army statement said Serbs were advancing from Vogosca in the north-east towards the capital behind about 250 civilians. Another Serbian battle formation was herding 100 civilans towards Sarajevo from Rajlovac, next to Vogosca, said the statement.

Debate continued on possible foreign military involvement to stem the violence in Bosnia. France's military chief advocated a greater foreign military role on Tuesday.

The British Defence Secretary, Malcolm Rifkind, said after visiting British peace-keeping troops in Split, Croatia, yesterday he saw no point in using UN forces to end the fighting.

NEW YORK - In a statement harshly criticizing Serb attacks on Sarajevo, the UN Security Council has hinted it will consider military force to break the siege of Sarajevo.

Yesterday's nonbinding statement did not say what measures it would consider, but diplomats said it could mean using aircraft to defend relief convoys to the city.