US President Mr Bill Clinton has turned to UN ambassador, Mr Bill Richardson to rescue his floundering "fast-track" proposal for trade negotiation powers in Latin America. In the past, Mr Richardson has proved an able negotiator in hardfought talks with renegade countries like North Korea and Iraq. But the decision to turn to him on the fast-track negotiations with Congress members is an indication of what a difficult position the administration considers the legislation to be in. Fast-track, under which Congress would approve or reject a trade accord without being able to bog down the legislation with amendments, is seen as indispensable for a president in international trade negotiations. A rejection of the provision would represent a resounding defeat for Clinton, and could prompt a decline for American economic fortunes in Latin America.