Canadian plans to create a defense logistics hub in Germany are in doubt after complications arising from German objections over potential noise pollution.
Canada announced plans for opening the hub as it unveiled a long-term strategy to better prepare for overseas military operations.
Canadian forces are active in Afghanistan and took part in NATO's operation in Libya last year.
After talks with German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere in Ottawa on Feb. 14, Canada announced it would set up a logistics hub at German's Koln Bonn Airport, which serves Bonn, Cologne and surrounding tones.
The planned hub is to be a substitute for the U.S. Air Base Spangdahlem in the southwestern German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, which Canada shares.
Spangdahlem is near the sparsely populated city of Eifel while the Koln Bonn Airport is one of the busiest land and air transportation hubs.
Airport administration officials said they couldn't accept the plan for Canadian relocation as increased night flights in a congested urban center could upset residents.
Cologne city officials said they also opposed Canada's planned move.
"The airport of a major city is not the right location for additional military air traffic," Cologne Lord Mayor Juergen Roters said.
In fact, he said, the city favored a further reduction in night flights to reduce noise pollution.
Airport officials said they would continue to confer with Canadian armed forces and German Defense Ministry to find a solution ....
