Fighting Rages in Bosnia; Civil War Is Feared

Violence engulfed the center of Sarajevo and other towns in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday, inflicting heavy casualties and fanning fears of civil war in the ethnically divided Yugoslav republic.

The fighting, the worst in Bosnia since World War II, came just one day before the European Community was to consider recognizing the republic’s independence. Muslims and Croats are pitted against minority Serbs opposed to the republic’s drive to follow Slovenia and Croatia in breaking away from Yugoslavia.

Representatives of the Muslim, Croatian and Serbian communities and federal army leaders appeared on television together to appeal for peace. “First, stop all shooting in the republic, and bring about a total cease-fire in all parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina,” they said.

In Sarajevo, host of the Winter Olympics eight years ago, gunmen opened fire on a crowd calling for an end to fighting in the republic, killing one demonstrator and injuring 10.

Military jets screamed over the city, and several loud explosions were heard. Machine gun and mortar fire rattled through city streets blocked by armed militants.

Croatian Radio said explosions rocked Sarajevo and that the Yugoslav army seized the capital’s airport during renewed fighting late Sunday.

“Fierce shooting from heavy machine guns and automatic weapons started ringing out from every part of the city. . . ,” said the radio report, monitored by the British Broadcasting Corp. in London.

However, Sarajevo Radio reported early today that fighting had died down in the city.

“The situation in the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina is presently relatively quiet,” it said.

The violence erupted on the eve of a meeting by the European Community, which may recognize Bosnia as an independent state.

Slovenia and Croatia have already won EC backing for their independence.