MAOIST PLENUM BEGINS MONDAY Kathmandu, 16 July: The five-day 7th UCPN Maoist plenum begins Monday in the capital after discussions and preparations were completed at the politburo and central committee meetings. The plenum meets after a split in the ruling party blamed by Chairman Prachanda on ‘anarchy’ for tolerating free debate. First Vice-chairman Mohan Baidhaya split and launched the CPN Maoist whichhas been given recognition by Communist Party of China. Baidhaya left for China Sunday night for talks with senior officials of the Communist Party of China following the split. The UCPN Maoist plenary session to be attended by 5,000 delegates will adopt the party’s policy and future strategy based on discussions of the Chairman’s political proposal. The plenum is being held 18 months after the Palungtar, Gokhj, session. nnnn PRITHVI BAHADUR PANDEY RESIGNS AS CEO OF NEPAL INVESTMENT BANK Kathmandu, 16 July: Prithbi BahadUr Pandey has resigned as CEO of Nepal Investment Bank but will continue as the bank’s chairman of the board, Nagarik reports. Jyoti Pandey will be the new CEO; the appointment will be confirmed by the meeting of Tuesday. Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) has adopted a policy the same person can’t be the chairman and CEO. nnnn