President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia has accepted the resignation of his security minister, Dzhemal Gakhokidze, following a probe into last week's army mutiny.

No explanation was given in the announcement, which came after a meeting of Georgia's security council.

Mr Gakhokidze is alleged to have admitted that he had advance warning of the rebellion, at the western base of Senaki, but took no action to prevent it.

Three officers have already been sacked on the same charge.

In a radio interview, President Shevardnadze defended his decision to send in loyal troops to crush the mutiny.

Following a brief skirmish, most of the mutinous soldiers returned to barracks.