In a balancing act of humouring crucialallies, the Left parties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Wednesday snubbed American Ambassador David Mulford. He, however, turned down demands for Mulford's recall following his controversial actions.

Dr Singh dismissed criticism over the Muslim headcount in the armed forces and the charge of appeasement by creation of a separate ministry for minority affairs.

He also deprecated attempts to play politics over the cartoon issue and asked political parties to exercise 'utmost restraint'.

Winding up the debate on the President's address in Rajya Sabha, the prime minister sought to assuage the Left members who had demanded the recall of Mulford for his letter to West Bengal [Images] Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattarcharya on his criticism of President George W Bush [Images]. "I share the sentiments of the members," he said.

The motion of thanks to the address was adopted by the House by a voice vote after negating Opposition amendments.