Obama Meets Libyan PM, Stresses Need for June Election

U.S. President Barack Obama Wednesday held a previously unannounced meeting with Libya's interim Prime Minister Abdul Rahim al-Kib and stressed the need for elections to go ahead in June.

The White House said Obama "applauded the prime minister for his leadership during Libya's democratic transition and his government's efforts to rebuild the country."

"The president encouraged the prime minister to continue plans to hold national elections in June and stressed the importance of transparency and engagement with Libya's newly energized civil society as the government develops accountable institutions," the White House statement said.

Obama and Kib also discussed security issues and cooperation on border management, weapons security, and regional counterterrorism, and the U.S. leader noted the efforts of U.S. forces in winning Libya's liberation.

"The president said he looks forward to a close partnership between the United States and Libya going forward," the statement said.

Libya is due to hold its first election for a constituent assembly in June in line with a declaration by the ruling National Transitional Council after the ouster of long time strongman Moammar Gadhafi.