BAGHDAD, Aug. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- General George Casey, the commanderof the Multinational Force in Iraq, visited the holy city of Najaf, for discussions over troop withdrawal from the city, a local daily reported Tuesday.

    "The commander of the multinational forces met with the governor of Najaf, Asaad Abu Kalal, to discuss preparations for the withdrawal," the Al Sabah Al Jadid newspaper quoted a provincial government source as saying.

    "Casey discussed with officials and military leaders in Najaf security requirements after the withdrawal and the application of a security plan prepared by an Iraqi-US committee that was formed to coordinate the withdrawal of forces from safe Iraqi cities," the source said.

    Iraqi security forces replacing US troops are in one of bases near Hay Al Nidaa in Najaf, some 170 km south of Baghdad, the source said. Enditem