Iraqi Vice-President Nuri al-Maliki on Friday renewed his call for maintaining the unity of Iraq and rejecting all forms of division.

"Iraqi people who offered sacrifices in their battle against the forces of terrorism and extremism are standing united to protect their rights and freedoms," Maliki was quoted by Al Sumaria TV channel as saying.

"Iraqis challenge the wills and plots of those who seek to fuel conflicts and wars that are aimed at devouring our region and destroying our capabilities, security and stability," he added.