"Nay Pyi Taw, 27 Jan — Amoytha Hluttaw discussed Tuesday three issues of parental leave for government employees, security for businesses in the areas of ethnic armed groups and modern railway system. In response to the question of MP Dr Myat Nyana Soe, Chairman U Kyaw Thu of Union Civil Services Board explained female employees of civil service can enjoy six-month maternal leave, while the husband of that woman or the male employee of non-civil service woman cannot enjoy paternal leave. However, the male employee can get one of the 10 types of two-week leave to take care her wife and new-born baby, but not paternal leave, in accordance with Civil Service Law. U Kyaw Thu also said the new mother can enjoy the full term of six-month maternal leave even though the baby died; however, the leave of her husband cannot be extended. Regarding the question MP U Soe Thet, Deputy Minister at President Office U Aung Thein answered that the government and ethnic armed groups have reached an agreement that the latter?s approval and discussions with both sides are needed to carry out development programmes and businesses in their areas where ceasefire agreement has been made. The government has signed ceasefire agreement with 14 ethnic armed groups, while KIA has agreed to ease tension. For the question of Major Aung Kyaw Zaw, Deputy Minister of Rail Transportation U Myint Thein said two railways of Asia railway network of India- China-Thailand under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Kunming-Singapore railway will pass through Myanmar with standard gauge system. The ministry is now producing dual gauge sleepers compatible with both meter gauge and standard gauge systems to upgrade railways across the country."