Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki underscored Tuesday that security forces' keenness on safety of civilians might prolonge hostilities in Anbar. "Iraq is battling terrorism which threatens security and stability not only in Iraq but the whole world," Al-Maliki said in a statement during a meeting with visiting US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns. "Our keenness not to harm civilians might delay the termination of the battle," he said. Al-Maliki commended the US support of Iraq in its fight against terrorism and extremism. Burns affirmed that the US was standing behind Iraq in the battle in Anbar, and was ready to provide all kinds of support to crack down on terrorism and extremism