Senator smooths relations with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, May 17 (UPI) -- Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, says the relationship between the United States and Pakistan is at a "make or break" moment following the death of Osama bin Laden.

"There are members of Congress who aren't certain that it can be patched back together again,"Kerry told Pakistan's civilian and military leaders.

The Massachusetts Democrat made the observation during a 24-hour visit to Pakistan intended to soothe Islamabad's anger over not being informed about the U.S. raid that killed bin Laden, The Wall St. Journal reported Tuesday.

Kerry said he agreed with Pakistan's leaders to establish a "road map" of actions both sides will follow over the next few months.

Two senior U.S. officials will arrive in Pakistan this week to further detail those steps before Secretary of State Hillary Clinton schedules a visit, Kerry said.

The senator has become a troubleshooter for the Obama administration in Pakistan.

Kerry said Pakistan has agreed to return the tail section of the U.S. helicopter that was damaged during the raid on bin Laden's compound.