In an interview with British newspaper, The Sunday Times, the president said he was determined to secure a diplomatic resolution to the violence while dismissing any suggestions of Britain taking the lead in efforts to end the conflict.

"How can you ask them to play a role in making the situation better, more stable, how can we expect them to make the violence less when they want to send the military supply to the terrorist?" the president said.

On the day the interview was filmed, the UK's Foreign Secretary, William Hague, announced Britain would increase its assistance, including equipment supplies, to the Syrian opposition.

"This government is acting in a naive, confused and unrealistic manner. If they want to play a role, they have to change this, they have to act in a more reasonable and responsible way," Assad told The Sunday Times, adding: "'Till then, we don't expect an arsonist to be a fire-fighter."

Assad offered to hold talks with rebels in a bid to end the crisis on the condition they lay down their arms. "We are ready to negotiate with anyone, including militants who surrender their arms, " Assad said.

Syria is facing a nearly two-year conflict and clashes continue between the Syrian army and the militant groups. Syria blame certain foreign countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, as well as some Western countries of fanning the flames of violence that erupted in the country in March 2011.