The new White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said Obama's phone calls to leaders in the Middle East were meant to convey his "commitment to active engagement in pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace from the beginning of his term."
Gibbs also that in conversations with Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian leaders, the US president emphasized he would work to consolidate the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Obama intends to name former Senate Majority leader George Mitchell as a special envoy to the region.
Not everything was new at the White House.
In the Oval Office, Obama worked at a desk built from the timbers of a British naval vessel, the HMS Resolute, and used off-and-on by presidents since the 1870s, including Bush. It also appeared that the carpet that Bush used in his second term, a yellow sunbeam design, was still in place.
A folder for US President Barack Obama left by former President George W. Bush sits on the Resolute desk in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington January 20, 2009. Picture taken January 20, 2009. [Agencies]
If some of the furnishings remained in place, there was no doubt that the new US president meant to fulfill his campaign promise of change.
"As of today, lobbyists will be subject to stricter limits than under any ... other administration in history," Obama told reporters as he signed the new rules. The restrictions included a ban on gifts by lobbyists to anyone serving in the administration.
He also imposed a pay freeze for about 100 White House aides who earn $100,000 or more. Its implementation was unclear, since none of them was on the payroll before Tuesday's noontime inauguration.
Obama and his wife began their day at a prayer service that is traditional for the first business day of a new administration. They were joined in front-pew seats by Biden and his wife, Jill, as well as former President Bill Clinton and his wife, hours away from confirmation as the United States' top diplomat.
"Grant to Barack Obama, president of the United States, and to all in authority your grace and good will. Bless them with your heavenly gifts, give them wisdom and strength to know and to do your will," prayed the Rev. Andy Stanley, one of numerous clerics from several religions to speak.
Obama and his wife also played host and hostess for a select 200 at an open house.
"Enjoy yourself, roam around," a smiling Obama told one guest.
"Don't break anything."
At least two more executive orders are expected in coming days, according to two Obama officials.
One official said the first will require all US personnel to follow the US Army Field Manual while questioning detainees. The manual explicitly prohibits threats, coercion, physical abuse and waterboarding, which creates the sensation of drowning and has been termed a form of torture by critics.
The second order will set up a study of interrogation methods that could be added to the Army manual, including some that may be more aggressive than those currently permitted.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss the orders until they are released.
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