By Robert Melnbardis

MONTREAL, June 21 (Reuters) - NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer urged Canada on Thursday to keep its military mission in Afghanistan beyond the scheduled February 2009 date for withdrawal.

De Hoop Scheffer said he saw no ambiguity between Canada's commitment to Afghanistan, where it has a 2,500-person force, and rising Canadian public opposition to its military role in the conflict-torn country.

As part of the 40,000-strong International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Canada is playing a vital role in helping Afghanistan to rebuild and develop, he told reporters before making a luncheon speech.

"I think more time is necessary to create those conditions for reconstruction and development to go on," de Hoop Scheffer said.

Three Canadian soldiers died in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, when a roadside bomb blew up their vehicle. Canada has lost 60 soldiers since it began sending troops to Afghanistan in 2002 as part of the U.S.-led war on terror.

More than 55 foreign troops have been killed in Afghanistan this year and more than 600 since the overthrow of the Taliban government in 2001.

De Hoop Scheffer acknowledged the "highest price" paid by Canadian men and women in Afghanistan.

"The casualties we have suffered and are suffering -- three Canadians killed yesterday -- are terribly painful, but I believe firmly that this is the right mission," he told the Conference of Montreal, an international economic forum.

NATO will not leave Afghanistan "to its fate," risking a return to a "failed state" and "huge terrorist training camp," he said. The Taliban government was overthrown following the September 2001 attacks against the United States.

De Hoop Scheffer said he will repeat his message when he meets with Canadian troops at Quebec City on Friday. Those opposed to Canada's role in Afghanistan are expected to protest in Quebec City on Friday, at the same time as a parade is held for the soldiers being deployed.

The Secretary-General said he is deeply concerned about civilian deaths in Afghanistan from NATO-led military actions, but he accused the Taliban of using civilians as human shields.

"They are wanting us to lose the hearts and minds in Afghanistan. They are not succeeding because we have the support of the vast majority," he told reporters.

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