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His remarks came after a leading European human rights body placed Turkey back on a watchlist over concerns about the functioning of democratic institutions in the country.

The unprecedented decision to reinstate monitoring triggered a furious reaction from the Turkish government, which claims the unjust move was motivated by xenophobia.

The Prime Minister told reporters that Turkey would now decide on what steps it would take regarding the decision by the Strasbourg-based Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The 47-member council placed Turkey back on the watchlist over the countrys ongoing crackdown on dissent following last years attempted coup.

The body also expressed deep concern about rights violations in the country as well as President Recep Tayyip Erdogans increasing powers.

Being monitored by the Council of Europe means Turkey will be subject to frequent visits by human rights officials and debated more often in the Strasbourg chamber.

While the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is separate from the European Union, its decision comes as a further setback to Turkeys bid to join the EU.

Relations between Turkey and the EU soured further during a referendum campaign earlier this month that saw President Erdogan granted more powers.

In his campaign, Mr Erdogan accused Germany and the Netherlands of acting like Nazis by banning Turkish political rallies.

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All Council of Europe member states - 28 of which are members of the European Union - have signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights.

The treaty is designed to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The Council of Europe applies its monitoring scheme to all countries when they join.

However, this is the first time it has been reopened against any member of the body, which includes Russia, Ukraine and all 28 EU member states.

In a recent resolution, the assembly which is made up of parliamentarians from the various member states voiced concern over Turkey's sweeping dismissal and detention of civil servants, judges, prosecutors and academics following the botched coup, as well as the closure of independent media and non-governmental organisations.

The vote to open the procedure against Ankara passed with 113 votes in favour versus 45 against.

The assembly has also called on Turkey to swiftly lift the state of emergency and free jailed lawmakers and journalists.

The European Union has already said Turkey's EU negotiations will cease should Mr Erdogan reinstate the death penalty - as he has indicated he might - with the EU official responsible for negotiations with potential new member states calling for a new format of relations with Turkey.

Some EU officials hope that, even if it came to formally aborting Turkey's EU bid, the bloc could re-energise talks on trade with the NATO ally whose cooperation is vital in dealing with the unprecedented flow of refugees from the Middle East.

More:
Turkey-EU relationship at 'lowest point' after country added to human rights watchlist - Express.co.uk