25/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - EP collect signatures in declaration on "unjustified" detention of Asia Bibi for blasphemy. On the initiative of the European Parliament Vice President in charge of interreligious dialogue, Antonio Tajani (EPP, Italy), 14 MEPs, the majority of them from the EPP, as well as a number from the S&D, GUE and ECR, called on their counterparts to sign a declaration against the death sentence in Pakistan meted out to Asia Bibi for blasphemy and calling for her release (see EUROPE 11533). The MEPs call on the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, to "take all political and diplomatic measures necessary for ensuring the release of Ms Asia Bibi" and, "to take into consideration the insertion of a binding clause on respecting religious freedom in the agreements with third countries and actively opposing strict laws on blasphemy". If the declaration receives more than half of all MEPs' signatures (376 signatures) by 25 August, it will have the same legal effect as a genuine petition and will then be sent to the High Representative and the Commission. (CG)