TRIPOLI, Libya - The US ambassador to Libya expressed confidence in the country's new rulers as the US embassy reopened in the capital months after it closed down during the fighting to oust Muammar Gadhafi.

Ambassador Gene Cretz on Thursday acknowledged the North African nation faces many challenges as Gadhafi remains on the run and fighting with his loyalists continues on three fronts. "The next few months will be critical as Libyans lay the groundwork for a pluralistic democracy that respects the rights of all of its citizens," he said in remarks before the flag was raised in front of his residence in Tripoli, which will serve as the interim embassy. "The United States and the international community are ready to help in any way we can."

The ceremony occurred on the same day that Tunisian authorities jailed Libya's ex-prime minister, Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi, on charges of illegal entry after he was found without a visa as he was trying to flee across the border to Algeria. Libya's transitional government said it would ask Tunisia to send al-Mahmoudi home to face justice.