KOROR - Detained Chinese fishermen will go home next week, according to an out-of-court settlement with the Palau government, which was ratified by Palau justice on Friday afternoon.

Wen Zhencai, the Chinese counsellor in charge of this issue told Xinhua at a hearing in Koror that he would be among a number of diplomats staying in Palau to ensure the smooth handover of the fisherman, due to take place next Wednesday. Then the fishermen will leave Palau for home.

Wen said, "The Chinese central and provincial governments are planning to dispatch (a plane) and we will be staying on until all Chinese nationals have been returned."

The 25 Chinese fishermen had been held in Palau since March 31st after one of their crews was killed by Palau marine officials who claimed it was an accident.