Brussels, Jumada I 21, 1434, Apr 2, 2013, SPA - The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo have reached a decisive stage in EU-mediated talks, focusing on the issue of the status of northern Kosovo. The talks - the eighth session between Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci - are being held Tuesday in Brussels under the mediation of EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, according to a report of the Associated Press. Kosovo declared independence in 2008. While many countries have recognized it as an independent country, Serbia has not. In order for Serbia to join the EU, it must normalize relations with Kosovo. --SPA 13:25 LOCAL TIME 10:25 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1093882