Angelina Jolie Set to Adopt

Monday, March 05, 2007

According to Vietnamese officials, Angelina Jolie has filed papers to adopt a child from Vietnam. A statement was released from Vu Duc Long, President, The Vietnamese International Adoption Agency, stating that Angelina Jolie is using an (unnamed) American adoption agency to coordinate the legalities of the adoption. According to Vu Duc Long; Angelina Jolie has filed as a single parent.

Angelina Jolie, and her partner, Brad Pitt, made an unannounced visit to Vietnam this past November. The couple made headlines in the local papers and were often seen riding around the region of Ho Chi Minh City on motorbikes.  While there the two visited the Tam Binh orphanage; which is on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City.  The director of the orphanage, Nguyen Van Trung, is not commenting on the report. He said that he is awaiting word from The Vietnamese International Adoption Agency.

Angelina Jolie has been a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the past several years. She has, just recently, been elected as a member of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). In these roles she not only visits orphanages in an effort to raise awareness; she also meets with Heads of State and other world leaders. Everyday, 15.000 children die of starvation and preventable diseases. Most of these children live in highly indebted poor countries (HIPC).

Angelina Jolie has put her heart where her mouth is. She has already adopted two children from HIPC countries. Her son, Maddox (age 5) was adopted from Cambodia; daughter Zahara (age 2 ) was adopted from Ethiopia. Jolie and partner Brad Pitt have one natural child together, Siloh (9 months). Pitt, who has said publicly that he wants a large family, was also granted legal fatherhood of Maddox and Zahara.