MADONNA - MADONNA WINS SUPPORT OF MALAWIAN GOVERNMENT OVER ADOPTION

MADONNA has won the support of the Malawian government over her treatment of DAVID BANDA. The star, who brought the one-year-old to the UK from his home country of Malawi late last year (OCT06), faced opposition from human rights groups at the time, with David's father YOHANE BANDA complaining this week (ends05JAN07) he has had no contact with his child since he was taken. But the country's principal secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare ADRINA MCHIELA says the Malawian government are delighted with the MATERIAL GIRL's treatment of the tot. She says, "We have been monitoring her and so far we see a loving mother in Madonna and David is very fine... the father should not be worried." CYRUS JEKE, deputy director for Child Welfare, revealed a government official has been assigned to keep a check on David's life with Madonna and husband GUY RITCHIE - with the Malawian government being assisted by its British counterparts. Baby David will stay with Madonna and Ritchie for 18 months before Malawian officials decide whether or not they are legally able to adopt the child.