Discussion between Belgrade and Pristina officials on Kosovo’s political future will continue next month after a first round of direct talks held Friday failed to provide a conclusive result.

After six months of incertitude, leaders of Serbia and Kosovo met in New York and tried to settle their dispute, but no solution emerged and the sides agreed to meet again next month in Brussels.

The United Nations Security Council urged Kosovo and Serbia to reach an understanding until December, but Serbian President Boris Tadic outlined that a result can’t emerge after a first three-hour round of negotiations.

“Right now we are negotiating. I hope we are going to achieve a compromise solution,” Tadic said after Friday’s talks mediated by the so-called troika (Russia, the United States and the European Union).

The Serbian leader and Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica discussed with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Agim Ceku the demands of both sides.

While ethnic Albanians want independence for Kosovo, Serbia said it is willing to grant a ”substantial” autonomy.

Because of this stark contrast, the talks didn’t seem to be heading towards a conclusive solution. But both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at finding a compromise and will not encourage violence through statements or activities.

German diplomat and EU representative, Wolfgang Ischinger said this first meeting was “constructive” and hoped that Pristina and Belgrade will be able to reach a settlement before the December deadline.

“They wish the process to continue … They will not have to be forced by us,” Ischinger said.

Kosovo and Serbia leaders are set to meet on October 14 in order to find a solution to the long-standing dispute before December. If a breakthrough doesn’t appear, the Security Council said it will implement a UN plan that would eventually bring independence for the breakaway province.

This UN plan was proposed by former Finnish president and special envoy Martti Ahtisaari after talks between the two sides failed in numerous rows. His initiative was welcomed by Kosovo Albanian leaders but Serbia slammed the proposal and said it will never approve it.

The Security Council decided to extend talks after Russia threatened to veto Ahtisaari’s plan, saying it will support a plan welcomed by both Serbia and Kosovo.

Tadic said Ahtisaari’s proposal “has failed for sure” and that is why negotiations are continuing. “The Ahtisaari plan is not acceptable for Serbia,” the leader said.