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By Isra'a al-Rubei'i and Maggie Fick BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki refused on Friday to give up his quest for a third term in power, defying a chorus of critics demanding his replacement as the country faces an existential threat from Islamist insurgents. Maliki has come under mounting pressure since militants of the group now calling itself the Islamic State rampaged through swathes of the country last month and declared a mediaeval-style caliphate on land they have captured in Iraq and neighboring Syria. "I will never give up my candidacy for the post of prime minister," Maliki said in a statement read out on state television by an announcer. "I will remain a soldier, defending the interests of Iraq and its people," he added, in the face of what he called terrorists and their allies.More...