July 10, 2000

Israeli government of Prime Min Ehud Barak crumbles as three rightist parties quit in protest against anticipated concessions to Palestinians, leaving him on uncertain ground on eve of departure for Camp David summit with Yasir Arafat and Pres Clinton; loses parliamentary majority and broad coalition, constructed precisely to build stable foundation of support for difficult peace moves; three parties reject Barak's pleas for unity, defecting to previously weak opposition and upsetting political balance of power; Barak addresses nation; defiantly says coalition will not affect trip to summit, which he maintains is backed by Israelis who elected him by overwhelming majority on peacemaking platform; says as lifelong soldier and fledgling politician he has direct bond with voters; possible effects of government's collapse on three-way retreat-style summit discussed; photos (M)

Skirting an AIDS Issue South Africa's leader opened an international meeting on AIDS by focusing on poverty, avoiding controversy he has caused over the cause and treatment of AIDS. PAGE A6 Pact With Fiji Rebels Fiji signed an accord with rebels to try to end a seven-week political crisis and to bring about the release of the prime minister and 26 other hostages held by rebels. PAGE A3

Ambitious new program, responding to history of discord between local officials and poor Hispanic immigrants in Mount Kisco, NY, seeks to make immigrants feel accepted and valued in largely affluent community; program organizer, Carla Rediker, pairs immigrants with local families who can guide and befriend them; photos (M)

Interview with sprinter Maurice Greene on his preparation for 2000 Olympics and his quest for three gold medals; photos (M)

New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza scores New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens for giving him concussion with fastball to head; holds pitch was intentional; scores other Yankees who defend it; misses second game against Yankees and will skip All-Star Game, where he was slated to be starting catcher; photo (M) plane; photos (M)