Madonna defends adoption attempt

Madonna has defended her decision to adopt a second Malawian child, insisting she is "committed" to maintaining a connection to adopted son David Banda's homeland.

The pop superstar arrived in the African nation at the weekend with her 12-year-old daughter Lourdes, eight-year-old son Rocco, and three-year-old boy David, whose adoption was finalised in 2008 after two years of legal wrangling.

Last week, Madonna's lawyer confirmed the singer's plans to file adoption papers for four-year-old Chifundo 'Mercy' James, whose 18-year-old mother died five days after giving birth to her.

The case is due to go before a Malawian judge on Friday.

The 'Holiday' hitmaker has faced opposition from James's surviving family members, who insist they will only agree to adoption proceedings if the young girl returns to her native country once she completes her education.

Several Malawian welfare officials have also criticised Madonna's attempts to expand her family, accusing the singer of using her fame to speed up the adoption process.

But Madonna's spokesperson Liz Rosenberg insists the star is following standard procedure and plans to stay connected to the southeast African country.

A statement released yesterday reads: "Madonna is committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with David's Malawian roots."

David's biological father Yohane Banda was granted a visit with his son on Sunday at the country's upmarket Kumbali lodge - the first time he had seen his biological child in over two years.