(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 11 MAR - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she is endorsing the idea of creating a joint European aircraft carrier, as recently suggested by the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, recalling that Germany and France are already working together on a future European combat air craft.

"I find the idea good," Merkel said speaking at a press conference after a meeting with the new Latvia's Prime minister Krisjanis Karins. However, she added, "we have to do other things as a priority." Speaking in Berlin, Merkel said that she appreciated that Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier made "a multitude of suggestions" over the weekend on how to define the so-called "backstop" meant to keep open the border between EU member Ireland and the U.K.'s Northern Ireland, adding that "it is of course for Britain to respond to these offers." An "important offer" to Britain was made, Merkel noted. (ANSA).