WASHINGTON — The United States has been stunned by the Hizbullah powerplay in Beirut and has decided not to approve additional military aid to Lebanon.

Due to Hizbullah control of the Beirut International Airport, the U.S. embassy said it is now being supplied by military helicopters.

Meanwhile the U.S.-backed government and Hizbullah agreed to hold political talks in Qatar on Friday that will lead to the election of Lebanon's army chief, Gen. Michel Suleiman, as a compromise president, said Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, who headed an Arab League team that mediated the agreement.

In wake of the Hizbullah offensive, a U.S. military delegation met Suleiman and Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr in Beirut. The delegation was led by U.S. Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey.

"The discussions focused on the continued assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces so it can maintain peace and stability, and safeguard the Lebanese people," the U.S. embassy in Beirut said in a statement.

The U.S. embassy has stopped using Beirut International Airport because of the Hizbullah threat. Instead, the embassy has been accommodating U.S. military cargo helicopters, which have brought equipment directly to the compound in Awkar.

"Due to the lack of usual cargo handling facilities at Rafiq Hariri International Airport, the U.S. embassy in Awkar will begin receiving necessary supplies and materials via U.S. military helicopters," the embassy said. "The sole purpose for these helicopters is to ensure the continuous supply of the U.S. embassy for operational needs." Casey said the administration plans to continue the shipment of military equipment already approved for the Lebanese Army and ISF. Lebanon has complained that delays in the U.S. program ensured the collapse of the Siniora government.

"I know there are a number of things in the pipeline for them and my understanding is that we will be trying to move some of those things through the pipeline in an expedited fashion," Casey said on May 14.

The Lebanese Army and ISF have received about $400 million in U.S. aid over the last two years. The Siniora government also received $900 million in civilian assistance.

But despite the U.S. help, neither the army nor ISF challenged the Hizbullah takeover of most of Beirut and Lebanon. Officials acknowledged that Lebanese Chief of Staff Gen. Michel Suleiman rejected any suggestion that he use the army to protect the Siniora government from the Hizbullah onslaught, in which more than 70 people were killed.

Officials said the Pentagon has pledged to send another 180 Humvee combat vehicles to Lebanon. But they said the administration would probably shelve the Lebanese request for helicopters, artillery, night vision systems and heavy weapons.

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