Brussels, Rabi'I 30, 1433, Feb 22, 2012, SPA - Negotiators for Kosovo and Serbia discussed the issue of normalizing relations on Wednesday, a key issue regarding Serbia's bid for EU membership. Borislav Stefanovic, Serbia's chief negotiator in the EU-mediated talks, said both sides expected to resolve the problem because it is "a clear benefit to all the people in the western Balkans." EU foreign ministers will meet next week to consider whether Serbia has fulfilled conditions required to be a candidate for membership, according to a report of the Associated Press. EU officials have expressed cautious optimism that the two sides will agree on a compromise solution. Officials said they expected this round of talks - the ninth - to conclude Thursday. --SPA 13:53 LOCAL TIME 10:53 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/972754