** FILE ** Then U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson votes to extend the UN's oil-for-food program, under which the Iraqis can sell limited amounts of oil to buy food and medicine in this Dec. 4, 1997 file photo at the United Nations in New York. Before the U.N. assignment in 1997, Richardson was earning a reputation as an international negotiator. He mediated with North Korea over the downing of two U.S. Army helicopter pilots, negotiated with Saddam Hussein for the release of two U.S. oil workers, won the release of three Red Cross workers held captive by Sudanese rebels, and was later sought out by the North Koreans to discuss nuclear issues. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)