The United States and China have agreed the outline of a deal to end a diplomatic stand-off over the Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng.
Mr Chen escaped from house arrest last month and sought refuge in the US embassy in Beijing.
After days of behind-the-scenes talks both countries made a series of announcements signalling a deal which could allow Mr Chen to travel to the US with his family for a university fellowship.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton left Beijing this morning after the negotiations.
Mrs Clinton's aircraft left at about 2pm (7am Irish time).
Mr Chen remains as planned in a Beijing hospital.
