OMEN
08-27-2007, 09:22 PM
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44041000/jpg/_44041302_madonna_david_203_ap.jpg
Madonna took custody of David Banda in October 2006
A Malawian social worker has been given the go-ahead to travel to London and assess Madonna's suitability to adopt a child from the African country.
Penstone Kilembe said the government had reversed an earlier decision, allowing him to visit the pop star.
The official told Reuters Madonna was "looking forward to this so her adoption process is not hampered".
He had warned blocking his visit could have jeopardised Madonna's attempt to adopt David Banda.
Mr Kilembe added that the refusal of Kate Kainja, the Malawian minister of women and child development, to grant him permission to assess Madonna and husband Guy Richie's suitability to adopt the boy could have caused the entire process to "crumble".
Earlier in August he even indicated that the child might have to be sent back to his village.
'Misunderstanding'
The country's High Court will rely on the director of Malawi's child welfare services' testimony to rule on whether the singer should be granted final approval to adopt the child.
He has denied reports that Ms Kainja accused him of obtaining an air ticket and money from Madonna without government approval.
She was reported in a Malawian newspaper as saying that Mr Kilembe had "personalised the whole issue" and that other officials could make the assessment in his place.
He said the matter was a "misunderstanding" which "has now been resolved", adding that Madonna has been informed of the proposed visitation dates.
The proposed visit will last for two weeks from 4 September, Mr Kilembe said.
Last October, the star was granted an 18-month interim custody order enabling her to take David Banda out of Malawi.
The adoption will only receive final approval when the country's authorities are satisfied that the child is being properly looked after.
BBC
Madonna took custody of David Banda in October 2006
A Malawian social worker has been given the go-ahead to travel to London and assess Madonna's suitability to adopt a child from the African country.
Penstone Kilembe said the government had reversed an earlier decision, allowing him to visit the pop star.
The official told Reuters Madonna was "looking forward to this so her adoption process is not hampered".
He had warned blocking his visit could have jeopardised Madonna's attempt to adopt David Banda.
Mr Kilembe added that the refusal of Kate Kainja, the Malawian minister of women and child development, to grant him permission to assess Madonna and husband Guy Richie's suitability to adopt the boy could have caused the entire process to "crumble".
Earlier in August he even indicated that the child might have to be sent back to his village.
'Misunderstanding'
The country's High Court will rely on the director of Malawi's child welfare services' testimony to rule on whether the singer should be granted final approval to adopt the child.
He has denied reports that Ms Kainja accused him of obtaining an air ticket and money from Madonna without government approval.
She was reported in a Malawian newspaper as saying that Mr Kilembe had "personalised the whole issue" and that other officials could make the assessment in his place.
He said the matter was a "misunderstanding" which "has now been resolved", adding that Madonna has been informed of the proposed visitation dates.
The proposed visit will last for two weeks from 4 September, Mr Kilembe said.
Last October, the star was granted an 18-month interim custody order enabling her to take David Banda out of Malawi.
The adoption will only receive final approval when the country's authorities are satisfied that the child is being properly looked after.
BBC