WASHINGTON (AP) -- Libya's prime minister is meeting with lawmakers and thanking them for their "tremendous support" in backing rebel efforts to overthrow Moammar Gadhafi.

The prime minister, Abdurrahim el-Keib, told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Thursday the Libyan people appreciate the support. Libyan rebels overthrew the Gadhafi regime last year.
They received military backing from the United States and other nations.

Committee Chairman John Kerry says lawmakers will discuss Libya's evolution as it builds a democracy.

President Barack Obama met with el-Keib this week ahead of Libya's June elections. Obama prodded el-Keib on the need for openness and engagement with Libya's civil society as the government creates its institutions.

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