Canada's role in Afghanistan is going to expand in 2004. It has been slated to take command of the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kabul next year.

NATO secretary general Lord Robertson made the announcement during a brief news conference in Kabul. "I pay a tribute to the Canadian Forces, who are taking over the responsibilities here gradually and will take over command next year," he said.

"They've been a powerful force for good in the Balkans and I know they will play a big role here as well."

Canada is already the largest contributor on the 31-country International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), with 1,950 troops in the region.

The ISAF was created in December 2001 by a UN resolution to bolster security in Kabul in the wake of the U.S.-led war that toppled the Taliban.

NATO took command of the 5,000-strong ISAF from Germany and the Netherlands in August. It was previously led by Britain and Turkey.

Canada has committed two rotations of troops over one year, but Robertson said talks are underway to extend its mission in Kabul, and to expand operations across Afghanistan.

"It's for the Canadians a big commitment to take on, a very valuable one, and I spoke to (Defence) Minister (John) McCallum and commended Canada on the number of troops they are providing, the quality of the troops they are providing."

Canadian Maj.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, who is the deputy commander of ISAF, told The Canadian Press in an interview that he wasn't yet aware that Canada was to assume control of the force. However, Canada has offered to lead in the past.

Whether Canada wants to continue in Afghanistan , there will be pressure from many sides to do so.

Interim leader Hamid Karzai, who is expected in Ottawa this Saturday, may ask Canada to maintain a military presence in Afghanistan longer than planned.

Karzai and senior officials will talk with Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham, McCallum and Susan Whelan, minister for international co-operation.

McCallum announced the deployment in the House of Commons last winter. Critics said the Liberals were only participating to get the government off the hook for not taking part in the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

With a report from The Canadian Press