Summit Keeps Force Option Open in Bosnia

IN a declaration condemning the violence in the former Yugoslavia, the world's seven leading industrialized nations July 7 called for expanded humanitarian aid to areas outside of Sarajevo as well as a secure land route to the city.

They also raised the possibility of an international conference on the Yugoslav crisis that would "address unresolved questions, including issues related to minorities."

The declaration supported the European Community's negotiation efforts. But it added that a resumption of these talks could lead to the holding of a broader international conference, possibly involving the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, according to British Foreign Minister Douglas Hurd.

Summit leaders acknowledged that the humanitarian airlift to Sarajevo was inadequate. The declaration called for "safe access by road to Sarajevo," but did not specify how this could be guaranteed.

Mr. Hurd said a request would be made for local security of the road first. But ground troops might be needed because "it is not easy to protect ground convoys against occasional or light fire from the air," according to United States national security adviser Brent Scowcroft. He said the US would probably not supply ground forces.

Like EC leaders in Lisbon recently, the G-7 summit participants left open the option of military measures should their humanitarian efforts be thwarted. The declaration acknowledged all parties as playing a role in the Yugoslav crisis, but said the Serbian leadership and Yugoslav Army bear "the greatest share of the responsibility."