PARIS, May 4: The United States and France sidestepped a decision Tuesday about using military force against Bosnian Serbs, but agreed to send peacekeepers Into the Bosnia If a peace agreement holds up, reports AP.

Apparenily running into continued allied resistance, Christopher said after five hours of talks that 'urgent' consultations would be held on military measures only if the agreement signed by Bosnian Serbs on Sunday foil apart.

He had encountered similar resistance In Lonflon to President Clinton's decision to use a combination of air attacks on Serb arttlk-ry and Ilie easing of an arms embargo

against Bosnia's Muslim-led government.

Christopher, in a joint news conference with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said. 'I think we found common ground to Implement' the UN peace plan to end the fighting, establish a provisional government In Sarajevo and divide Bosnia into 10 ethnically baaed canton*.

It would reward the Serbs with much of the territory they gained in a 13-month war on Muslim cities and villages. An estimated 134.000 people are dead or missing

Christopher also held talks with President Francois Mltte rrand. Premier Edouard Balladur and Defence Minister Francois Ixotard.

Juppe said the forces of most major countries would participate in a peacekeeping operation that includes the United States and France.'

AFP says, the Security Council discussed steps to Implement the peace plan for Bosnia-Herzegovina Monday as Canada suggested it would be willing to provide additional troops for the operation.

The 15-member Council hailed the signature of the Vance-Owen peace plan for Bosnia by the country's three warring parties and were considering how to put It into ef-

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (O1C) on Monday cautiously welcomed the Bosnian Serb leader's signing of peace plan.

'It this signature is endorsed, it will be a step in the search for a negotiated solution in Bosnia-Herzegovina,' OIC Secretary General Hamid Algabid told AFP.