Serb and Kosovar Albanian delegates say they have made progress in a first round of talks on the future status of the province. But there was no breakthrough on the substantive issues at the negotiations in Vienna.

Ethnic Albanians are pushing for full independence from Serbia. Belgrade believes Kosovo should remain part of Serbia.

At a news conference afterwards a Serb envoy said: "we certainly do have, and I assume that the other side also does, have a much better understanding and great appreciation of what the other position is. And that in itself is a step forward, particulary when coupled with the fact that on certains points, on certain specific points, there's no actual disagreement"

An Albanian representative said both sides were genuinely working for a solution:

"The multi-ethnic society is something in which not just Kosovar society but the international community invests a lot. And we are looking at our future, really to be a functional multi-ethnic institution."

Among other issues today's talks focused on security and justice. The delegates will meet again on March 17.

PHOTO CAPTION

UN mediator Martti Ahtisaari's deputy Albert Rohan poses before the beginning of a meeting on the future of Kosovo in Vienna. (AFP)