Oka properties of ball complements (Q2249632)

Let \(X\) be a Stein manifold and \(L\) a compact convex subset of \(\mathbb C^n\), \(n>\dim X\). The authors prove that for any compact \({\mathcal O}(X)\)-convex set \(K\) in \(X\), for any closed complex subvariety \(X'\) of \(X\), and for any holomorphic map \(f: K\cup X'\to \mathbb C^n\setminus L\), there exists a holomorphic map \(F: X\to \mathbb C^n\setminus L\), which approximates \(f\) on \(K\) and interpolates \(f\) on \(X'\). They prove that in the case \(2\dim X\leq n\) the same is true for polynomially convex sets \(L\). The authors were motivated by the question if the complement of the unit ball in \(\mathbb C^n\) is an Oka manifold (for an exposition of Oka theory see the book [\textit{F. Forstnerič}, Stein manifolds and holomorphic mappings. The homotopy principle in complex analysis. Berlin: Springer (2011; Zbl 1247.32001)]. To give an affirmative answer to the question, the above theorem would need to hold for Stein manifolds of any dimension.