Brussels, 28/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - Following the EU/Serbia Troika on Monday, the foreign minister for Serbia-Montenegro, Vuk Draskovic, informed the press that there was “no explanation, no excuse” justifying the “dramatic delay” in Serbia-Montenegro's total cooperation with the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ITFY). Draskovic added that, “today, we got the message that we have to immediately fulfil our obligations. I hope that this time we will do it”. A few hours earlier, the General Affairs Council had adopted conclusions threatening to suspend negotiations on the conclusion of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the country if in a month's time its cooperation had not improved substantially with the ITFY in bringing those facing charges to The Hague, such as Ratko Mladic (EUROPE 9140). Mr Draskovic explained that, “I don't know where General Mladic is…What I do know is that he is being protected. It is the forces of the old regime who are frightened by Serbia's European future…who want an isolated Serbia”. The foreign minister was delighted that, “Today we got the message that the EU needed Serbia-Montenegro and that's why the EU has not used any reference to ultimatums…we therefore have another chance of succeeding”.