Madonna 'still hoping to adopt from Malawi'

Madonna has told a Malawian newspaper that she is still eager to adopt a second child from the country, says Reuters.

Earlier this month, the singer launched an appeal against the Malawian High Court's decision to decline her request for custody of four-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James, on the basis of a law requiring prospective parents to be resident in the country for 18 to 24 months.

Speaking to the Nation On Sunday, she said: "I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible.

"Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal regarding my desire to adopt Mercy, I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and my friends around the world."

Madonna, who is already mother to adopted son David Banda, added: "It's my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country."

No date has been set for the appeal.