NEW YORK, July 15: The White House and the US State department on Monday welcomed the conviction of four militants for the kidnap and murder of American reporter Daniel Pearl saying it was proof of Pakistan’s leadership in the war against terrorism.

The White House press secretary, Ari Fleischer, told reporters abroad Air Force one: “The administration welcomes Pakistan’s verdict in this matter. Daniel Pearl was brutally executed and Pakistan’s ... court system has now ruled. This is a further example of Pakistan showing leadership in the war against terror.”

President Bush was travelling to Alabama.

The State department spokesman in a statement welcomed the convictions and called “it an important step bringing to justice the perpetrators of this vicious crime.”

It also noted that there were other suspects who still remain at large saying “we remain committed to working with Pakistan to ensure that justice is done in this case. We are gratified by the verdict rendered in the brutal murder of Mr Pearl this is an important step brining to justice the perpetrators of this vicious crime,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said: “We appreciate the efforts Government of Pakistan of to apprehend those involved. Others accused in this case are awaiting trial and other suspects remain at large we remain committed to working with Pakistan to ensure that justice is done in this case.”

Meanwhile, the family of US reporter Daniel Pearl welcomed Monday’s conviction of four militants.

The website of the Daniel Pearl Foundation published a statement from the family which said: “We, the parents, wife, and sisters of Daniel Pearl, are grateful for the tireless efforts by authorities in Pakistan and the United States to bring those guilty of Danny’s kidnapping and murder to justice.”