Thursday, February 23 2006 10:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a balancing act of humouring crucial allies the Left parties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday(Feb 22,2006) snubbed US Ambassador David Mulford but turned down demands for his recall following his controversial actions.

He dismissed criticism over the Muslim headcount in 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 President's address in Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister sought to assuage the Left members who had demanded recall of Mulford for his letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattarcharya on his criticism of President George W Bush by saying, "I share the sentiments of the members."

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