The 25 North Koreans entered in the Spanish embassy in Beijing will travel to Manila, under an agreement between Chinese and Spanish officials, an official Spanish spokesman said Friday.
The group left the embassy for the airport where they were to take a plane to Manila, foreign ministry spokesman Alberto Aza said.
A convoy of North Koreans - two SUVs, a van and the ambassador's Mercedes limousine - left the Spanish Embassy shortly after 1 pm (0500 GMT), pulling out onto the tree-lined street of diplomatic compounds in northeastern Beijing.
Aza said the deal was part of a "humanitarian settlement" worked out by all parties. He did not give further details.
Earlier Friday Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said an agreement had been reached to end the situation.
``China's Foreign Ministry has consulted with the relevant embassies and has reached agreement with them. This matter will be handled in accordance with law,'' Zhu said.
(China Daily March 15, 2002)
